Dr. Joanne Culverhouse
It is both an honor and a privilege to be named the Superintendent of the La Habra City School District. I appreciate the warm welcome I have received from the Board of Education, staff, support staff, teachers, administrators, city officials, and community members. Clearly La Habra is the “All American City” and I am grateful and proud to become a member of the team.
As Superintendent of La Habra City School District, I will be the “Lead Leader”, positioning us for success by inspiring others through modeling, mentoring, and painting a picture of what is possible for our students. Being a “Lead Leader” does not happen behind a desk and as the Superintendent, I value spending time in the classroom and I appreciate and enjoy being actively involved in school and community events.
It is clear to me that past performance is a predictor of future success and an indicator of who you are as a person and a leader. My beliefs and values are aligned with the principles and expectations of the schools, community and its stakeholders. I believe in the best intentions of others and that trust must be earned through genuine relationships and a love for children. I earned my Doctorate from UCLA and a B.S. and M.S. in Education and Administration at the University of Nevada, Reno. I most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. I have previously taught elementary school, coached, and served as a principal at the elementary, middle and high school level. My past experiences have also included principal positions in Sun Valley, Nevada; Hemet California; and Laguna Beach, California.
My life experiences span the range of communities of both poverty and affluence in urban, rural, and suburban settings and it is abundantly clear to me that parents want the best for their children and they understand that schools are vital to their success.
I want to thank members of the Board of Education, LHCSD employees, community members and every family for entrusting me with your children. I take that honor seriously and pledge my best effort to fulfill your expectations and continue to provide the best education possible to our students. We will maintain a focus of mastering academic skills while developing effective communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible and respectful members of society.