HBCSD Appoints New Director of Educational Services
Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jerry Gargus as Director of Educational Services. His selection was approved by the Board at last night’s Board meeting.
Dr. Gargus brings 25 years of experience in public education, including more than two decades of site and district leadership spanning curriculum and instruction, assessment and accountability, intervention systems, and special programs. A student-centered and data-driven leader, Dr. Gargus has a proven record of raising student achievement and building the instructional systems and professional learning that support teachers and staff.
Most recently, Dr. Gargus has served as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Fountain Valley School District, where he leads curriculum, instruction, and assessment initiatives for a district of 6,000 students and 700 staff, and supports the implementation of programs including the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, Proposition 28 Visual and Performing Arts program, primary reading intervention, and summer school. He previously served as Fountain Valley’s Director of Educational Services, where he led districtwide assessment and data use, coordinated the development of the LCAP and other district plans, and provided leadership to special programs serving English learners, GATE students, and Title I schools.
Dr. Gargus also brings extensive experience from roles such as Coordinator of Interventions and Instruction for the Torrance Unified School District and Principal of McGaugh Elementary School in the Los Alamitos Unified School District, where he led the school to California Distinguished School, Gold Ribbon, and Exemplary Arts recognitions. As Principal of Schmitt Elementary School in the Westminster School District, he guided the school out of Program Improvement and was named the District’s 2012 Administrator of the Year.
“Dr. Gargus brings deep instructional knowledge, a strong record of student achievement, and a collaborative, service-oriented leadership style,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Cynthia Guerrero. “His leadership will play an important role in advancing high-quality, student-centered teaching and learning across the District.”
Dr. Gargus holds a Doctorate of Education in K–12 Leadership in Urban Schools from the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Science in Physical Education/Sports Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education/Adult Fitness from Marshall University.
Dr. Gargus will officially join the HBCSD team on July 1, 2026. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jerry Gargus to the HBCSD community.