Superintendent Christensen

The Orange Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael L. Christensen as Interim Superintendent, effective immediately. This decision follows Superintendent Ernie Gonzalez's request to transition to a senior district management position. The Board expresses its gratitude to Mr. Gonzalez for his continued dedication to the district.

Mr. Christensen is no stranger to OUSD, having served the district with distinction for nearly 20 years. His tenure includes six years as Superintendent, preceded by his roles as Deputy Superintendent, Chief Business Official, and various leadership positions within the Business and Facilities Division. Since retiring in 2017, Mr. Christensen has served as a Fiscal, Facilities, and Maintenance Advisor for school districts across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties, bringing a wealth of expertise to his advisory roles.

Under his previous leadership at OUSD, Mr. Christensen earned a stellar reputation for fostering a collaborative and student-focused culture. He was instrumental in guiding the district through complex financial challenges, which culminated in the historic passage of the Measure S bond. His strategic vision continues to be vital in the ongoing completion of current bond projects.

"The Board is confident that Mr. Christensen’s proven leadership, deep understanding of OUSD, and extensive experience will provide the stability and expertise needed during this transitional period," said Board President Ana Page. "We are committed to ensuring a seamless process as we move forward in selecting the next permanent Superintendent."

The Board will outline the next steps for the Superintendent selection process during its regularly scheduled meeting in December.