May 26, 2026
Superintendent Announcement/Press Release
Dr. Anthony Ortiz Announced as Finalist to Lead Bassett
Unified School District as the Next Superintendent
The Bassett Unified School District (BUSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce the pending selection of seasoned educator Anthony Ortiz, Ph.D. as the finalist for the District’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Ortiz’s selection is contingent upon completion of successful contract negotiations and final Board approval of his employment contract on June 9, 2026.
For the past five years Dr. Ortiz has served as Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Director of Human Resources at Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD). Prior to these roles, he rose through the ranks at Ontario-Montclair School District as a Director of Special Education, Director of Research and Accountability, middle school principal, and elementary school principal. Dr. Ortiz began his teaching career in Baldwin Park Unified School District as a bilingual teacher, bilingual resource teacher and dual immersion program coordinator. With contributions spanning over three-decades in public education, Dr. Ortiz has established a distinguished track record of building student-centered systems, expanding access to student wellness and school safety, and developing leaders who support the whole child.
Dr. Ortiz holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Educational Leadership from Claremont Graduate University, a Master’s degree in education from Claremont Graduate University, a Master’s degree in educational leadership from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Administrative Studies from University of California, Riverside.
Dr. Ortiz was the ACSA State Special Education Administrator of the
year in 2020, ACSA Regional President in 2023-24, and led the expansion of wellness centers from high schools
to middle schools, which was recognized by the California School Boards Association 2025 Golden Bell Award. In addition to ACSA, Dr. Ortiz is an active member of the California Association for Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Dr. Ortiz has dedicated his career to serving diverse communities in the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire. He is known for thoughtful listening, collaborative leadership, and building trust and collective ownership of student success. Colleagues and supervisors credit his ability to communicate clear expectations while supporting others success as a major asset in
strengthening teams and uniting communities around a shared vision.
His belief that public schools are at the heart of a community drives him to work collaboratively to secure funding that enhances the overall student experience.
“We are grateful for the meaningful contributions of our District community, whose insights were instrumental in defining the qualities the Board sought in the next Superintendent” said Board President Aaron Simental. “The Board is confident in Dr. Ortiz’ strong record of success in providing excellent educational opportunities for students and looks forward to working together to impact educational outcomes here in BUSD.” The BUSD Board would like to express its sincere appreciation to all the applicants who shared an interest in serving the District.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Dr. Ortiz shared, “I am deeply honored to be selected as the next Superintendent of Bassett Unified School District. Bassett is a community that leads with trust, puts students first, and makes every person feel they belong. I look forward to the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated Board, students, families and staff.”
On a personal note, Dr. Ortiz is a proud husband and father of two sons who, outside the office, enjoys road cycling and Sunday hikes with his family.
Dr. Ortiz is slated to begin his assignment on July 1st, pending final contract negotiations and subsequent Board approval of the contract on June 9, 2026. Dr. Julie Harrison will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent until the end of June and will work closely with Dr. Ortiz to ensure a seamless transition for all involved.