Agua Fria Union High School District's Governing Board voted unanimously during an eight-minute special meeting March 31 to confirm the employment contract for Mark Yslas as the district's new superintendent.

Mr. Yslas' tenure will begin July 1, 2021, following the retirement of Dr. Dennis Runyan.

He joins AFUHSD from the Alhambra Elementary School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2015.

A career educator, Mr. Yslas brings his expertise in building strong coalitions and partnerships between school, business and government entities as well as a proven ability to implement change and transform organizations like AFUHSD, according to a district release.

The governing board identified and agreed to key objectives that were of importance when searching for a new superintendent.  Among those objectives were:

1. Serve the academic needs of all students and expanded learning opportunities.
2. Commit to effective communication protocols (internal and external).
3. Implement a district strategic plan.
4. Engage with the community with clear and concise communication.
5. Collaborate with governing board.

“Based on his previous experience and responsiveness to our governing board’s goals and objectives, we are pleased to announce that Mark Yslas will be our next superintendent,” said Vickie Landis, board president. “He will have the opportunity to interact with Dr. Runyan in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

Dr. Runyan has served as district superintendent for 12 years after serving as principal at Millennium High School.

“AFUHSD is a growing and engaged community, and I am honored to join this well-respected and well-governed district,” Mr. Yslas said.  “I look forward to working with the board and our professional staff, as well as our community, to achieve the best results for our district.”

The superintendent's primary responsibilities include supervising administrative staff and school principals as well as oversight and decision-making as it relates to educational programs, finances and facilities.

The superintendent also will interact with other stakeholders including parents and teachers, students, education advocates and the community-at-large.

“Throughout the search process, top of mind for our board was to ensure that our next superintendent not only focuses on the academic needs of our students but has an eye to the future as our community continues to grow,” Ms. Landis said. “Mark is well-suited for this position and we look forward to working him.”