Following a nationwide search and months of community and stakeholder input, the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Virginia Kelsen as the district’s next Superintendent at their June 24th board meeting. Dr. Kelsen is an established, local, experienced, educational leader who is well-prepared to guide OUHSD into its next chapter.
The appointment ensures leadership continuity for nearly 16,000 students while concluding a comprehensive nationwide search informed by stakeholder surveys and public forums. Board members cited Dr. Kelsen’s deep knowledge of the district, unwavering commitment to students, and collaborative leadership style as the defining qualities that led to their decision. Her appointment also marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first superintendent to serve alongside the district’s first all-female Board of Trustees – a reflection of the district’s commitment to strong, diverse leadership and its continued focus on student success.
“Throughout this process, our priority was finding a leader who understands our students, values our communities, and is prepared to build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Board President Dr. Karen Sher.
“Dr. Kelsen has earned the trust and confidence of our Board through her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students. We are confident she is the right leader to help ensure every student is college ready, career prepared, and equipped for a powerful future.”
Few new superintendents begin their first day with the institutional knowledge Dr. Kelsen brings to the role. After serving as OUHSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the past two years, she steps into the district’s highest leadership role with an established understanding of its schools, students, employees, families, and community. In that role, she led districtwide academic programming and partnered with educators to strengthen instructional excellence and improve student achievement.
The Board’s decision followed a comprehensive nationwide search conducted with the assistance of executive search firm Leadership Associates. Throughout the process, trustees sought input from students, employees, families, and community members through surveys and public forums to identify the leadership qualities most important in the district’s next superintendent including the ability to communicate with OUHSD’s Spanish-speaking families.
She succeeds Dr. Thomas McCoy, who accepted the position of Superintendent of Burbank Unified School District after six years of service leading OUHSD.
“OUHSD’s mission is my mission. Our students deserve the best possible high school experience and, as a highly purpose-driven leader, I look forward to working with staff and families to help them attain the future of their dreams by honoring students’ unique strengths and creating opportunities for them to grow. I am honored to serve our community,” said Dr. Kelsen.
With more than 35 years of educational leadership experience, Dr. Kelsen has served as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, executive director, assistant superintendent, university instructor, and cabinet-level educational leader. She earned a Ph.D. in Education: Urban Leadership from Claremont Graduate University, where her research focused on leadership development, literacy, career technical education, and expanding access to post-secondary education. This past year she also participated in the Ventura County Leadership Academy alongside other education and local community leaders expanding OUHSD’s visibility and potential partnerships. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous honors recognizing her leadership, service, and commitment to educational excellence.
The Board expressed confidence that Dr. Kelsen’s deep understanding of OUHSD, combined with her proven leadership and unwavering commitment to students, will ensure a seamless transition while building upon the district’s momentum and advancing academic excellence, student well-being, and opportunities for every learner.
“We are grateful for Dr. Kelsen’s leadership and dedication to OUHSD and look forward to continuing this important work together on behalf of our students, staff, families, and community,” the Board of Trustees shared.
Serving nearly 16,000 students across 10 comprehensive high schools, Frontier High School, Oxnard Adult School, and Anacapa Adult Transition School. Oxnard Union High School District prepares every student for success in college, career, and life through high-quality educational opportunities and strong partnerships with families and the communities it serves throughout Ventura County.