Rachel Monarrez
Rachel H. Monárrez, Ph.D., believes in the possibility of every child, and this approach guides her daily interactions as Superintendent of the Orange Unified School District. Now in her third decade working in education, Dr. Monárrez holds a vast knowledge base for academic excellence, organizational leadership and collaborative practices. Rachel has served as a teacher, school principal, director of English learner programs and special education, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. As a champion for all children, she works collaboratively with all stakeholders to foster a culture of equity, academic excellence and high expectations for all learners. Her favorite quote is: “Excellence can be attained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible.” Dr. Monárrez was named one of 25 “Superintendents to Watch” nationally by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for 2023-24 for her efforts to enhance communications and family engagement. Dr. Monárrez received a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of California Irvine, a Master of Arts in Education and Ph.D., with an emphasis on urban education, from Claremont Graduate University. She is the proud mother of Natalee, a teacher, writer, and poet, and married to Jesus Monárrez, a retired educator.
