San Dieguito Union High School District

Dr. Anne Staffieri has dedicated more than 35 years to public education, including a decade of service as a California public school superintendent. Since July 2023, she has served as Superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School District, where she leads one of California's highest-performing public school districts with a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and Excellence for All—ensuring every student has increased access to opportunities, experiences a strong sense of belonging, and achieves at the highest levels.

 

Since becoming a superintendent in 2016, Dr. Staffieri has led three school districts in San Diego County, earning a reputation as a collaborative, visionary leader who builds high-performing organizations centered on student success. Throughout her tenure, she has guided districts through strategic planning, organizational improvement, fiscal stewardship, facilities modernization, workforce excellence, and initiatives that expand opportunities while fostering cultures of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

 

Dr. Staffieri believes that exceptional schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that Excellence for All means increasing access to rigorous learning opportunities, cultivating environments where every student and employee feels they belong, and ensuring that all students are supported in reaching their fullest potential. She works closely with students, families, employees, governing boards, and community partners to create schools where every learner is prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.

 

Before becoming a superintendent, Dr. Staffieri served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including teacher, principal, district administrator, and assistant superintendent. These experiences provided a broad foundation in instructional leadership, curriculum and assessment, human resources, organizational development, and educational innovation.

 

An active contributor to the education profession, Dr. Staffieri mentors aspiring educational leaders and frequently presents on topics including leadership, governance, organizational culture, strategic planning, and systems improvement. She is known for her thoughtful, student-centered leadership, her ability to unite organizations around a shared vision, and her unwavering commitment to excellence in public education. In recognition of her leadership and service, she was honored as the 2021 Superintendent of the Year by the California Continuation Education Association.

 

Dr. Staffieri is a proud graduate of Brigham Young University's McKay School of Education, where she developed the educational philosophy that continues to guide her leadership today. In recognition of her distinguished career and contributions to education, she was named a 2026 Distinguished Honored Alumna of the McKay School of Education.

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Staffieri has remained committed to the belief that every decision should advance opportunities for students and strengthen public education. Her leadership reflects an enduring commitment to Excellence for All by expanding access, fostering belonging, and promoting high levels of achievement so that every student is empowered to succeed in an ever-changing world.