Top four administrators in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District voted three-year contracts; Literature Review Committee formed

 The top four administrators in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District – all hired within the past 13 months – have been awarded three-year contracts on 5-0 votes by trustees.

Each contract will run through June 30, 2030, according to action taken at an October board meeting. Changes in titles and responsibilities are included for two of the posts.

Kym LeBlanc-Esparza began as superintendent Oct. 6, 2025. She has served more than 30 years in education, including posts in Colorado and Oregon. Her annual salary is $399,443 to include a 2.5% increase plus longevity retroactive to the past school year and a 1.25% increase beginning with the current school year.

Candace Perez began as deputy superintendent of the academic leadership team April 1. Her position combines the two former posts of assistant superintendent of student services and assistant superintendent of educational services.

Her 24-year career in education includes positions in Southern California and Oregon. She will be paid $360,079 to include increases and longevity similar to LeBlanc-Esparza.

Chad McGough began as assistant superintendent of human services Feb. 2. His 28-year career in education includes positions in Southern California and Illinois. He will be paid $324,840 to include increases and longevity also similar to LeBlanc-Esparza.

John Pappalardo began as chief business officer Dec. 15, 2025. His position was formerly titled assistant superintendent of business services. His 38-year career in education started in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. His $326,340 salary will include increases and longevity also similar to LeBlanc-Esparza.

All four positions have seen significant turnover in the past six years, especially the post of superintendent, which has had six individuals serving since 2021.

Jim Elsasser served from 2021 through June 2022. Mike Matthews was acting superintendent from July 2022 through April 2023. Alex Cherniss served from May 2023 until a 5-0 vote placed him on leave in December 2024.

Former assistant superintendent for student services Renee Gray was acting superintendent from December 2024 through February 2025. Allan Mucerino was acting superintendent from February 2025 until LeBlanc-Esparza was hired to begin October 2025.

Only four individuals served as superintendent in the 33 years prior to 2021: Jim Fleming 1987-2000, Dennis Smith 2000-2012, Doug Domene 2012-2016 and Greg Plutko 2016-2020.

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First meetings of a new Literature Review Committee are scheduled for Nov. 17 and Dec. 7. The panel “will analyze proposed/requested texts to be placed on the district’s core and extended literature list,” stated Elizabeth Leon, elementary education director.

The committee includes community members, teachers, administrators and district personnel who will examine “novels and texts through different perspectives,” Leon said.