Sequoia Union High School District

The Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Crystal Leach as Superintendent on March 22, 2023. Prior to her appointment as Superintendent, Ms. Leach led the district as Interim Superintendent twice before in recent years, including the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that tumultuous time, she was known for her calm, steady leadership as she guided employees, students and parents through the shift to distance learning, and managed the myriad of communications regarding public health recommendations and requirements. She also served as Interim Superintendent from December 2022-March 2023, before being appointed Superintendent.

 

Ms. Leach rose through the ranks of educational leadership as a business administrator and her background as an experienced financial executive brings many assets to the district. In her roles at SUHSD and previous school districts, she developed a passion for the connection between district finances and the academic and enrichment opportunities available to students. Early in her education career Ms. Leach learned that the operational and fiscal health of the district are inextricably bound with the student experience. The stronger a district is financially and operationally, the better it can serve its students with rich academic programming and top-notch staff, and offer resources, support and training to its employees. 

 

“I am a life-long learner who comes from a family of educators, so I understand the connection between financial resources and student learning.  When I do my job well, it means that more money can be invested in the education of the students we serve, and that is our primary mission.”   

 

Ms. Leach is known by peers and colleagues as a visionary and driver of change who helps organizations achieve their strategic goals by building trust through honest communications, offering sound advice to colleagues, and taking action when tough decisions need to be made. Throughout her career, Ms. Leach has demonstrated an ability to communicate complex information in clear, easy-to-understand terms, while building strong relationships with colleagues, parents, community members and business partners. 

 

“I came up through the business side of the district, but as superintendent, I’ve now had a front-row seat to the amazing work being done by our educators. I am inspired by our students, teachers and principals every day and I love deepening my understanding of what it takes to help our students achieve their full potential and dreams.”

 

Ms. Leach led the District’s recent major facilities bond measure efforts, which passed in 2022 with nearly 63% voter approval. As a result, the community will benefit from upgrades at all campuses. Under Ms. Leach’s leadership, the district received an AAA credit rating from Moody’s, the highest credit rating available, which allows the district to issue bonds at the lowest possible interest rate, saving property owners millions of dollars in tax savings.

 

Ms. Leach has a unique ability to empathize with students whose backgrounds or life circumstances make the pathway to college and career more challenging. She attended college, earned her degree and built a successful career in education leadership while raising a young son as a single mother.  Ms. Leach holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Business Management, and has completed coursework for doctoral studies in education in organizational and administration.