News & Announcements

Gabriel Ortega, Principal of Sepulveda Middle School, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Middle School Administrator of the Year. With 28 years of service in LA Unified and over a decade of active membership in ACSA, Gabriel is celebrated for his impactful leadership, steady mentorship, and commitment to creating learning environments where all students are encouraged to rise and thrive.

Ritma Estupiñan, Assistant Principal at Canoga Park Elementary, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year. A proud LAUSD alum and lifelong educator, Ritma’s 22-year journey—from teacher assistant to assistant principal—exemplifies what it means to lead with gratitude, heart, and deep community ties.

2025 ACSA Region 16 Student Services Administrator of the Year. With 30 years of service, over a decade in ACSA, and a legacy rooted in both cultural pride and districtwide advocacy, Brenda has dedicated her life to helping students become the best versions of themselves.

Dr. Simone R. Charles, Principal of Wonderful Whitman Continuation High School—a recently named Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education—is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Valuing Diversity Award honoree. A fierce advocate for equity, community, and transformation, Dr. Charles also serves as Chairperson of the ACSA Region 16 Equity Council.

Jennifer McConn, Special Education Administrator for Region South, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Special Education Administrator of the Year. With 23 years of service in LAUSD and five years as an ACSA Region 16 member, Jennifer is recognized for her passionate advocacy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—receive a quality education.

Jamie Galgana, Instructional Technology Administrator at LAUSD’s Instructional Technology Initiative, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Technology Administrator of the Year. A proud ACSA member and current Instructional Technology Council representative, Jamie is recognized for her visionary leadership, dedication to student-centered innovation, and unwavering commitment to collaboration.

Sheila Taylor Hardy, Principal at Vaughn Early Education Center, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Early Education Administrator of the Year. With 35 years of dedicated service and a career spent uplifting the very community she grew up in, Sheila’s leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, heart, and impact.

Daniel Gettinger, Regional Director for LAUSD’s Region East, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Regional Director of the Year. With 15 years of service in LAUSD and a steadfast commitment to educational equity, Daniel is recognized for his results-driven leadership and his belief in the transformative power of education.

Chiae Byun-Kitayama, Administrator of Middle School Instruction at LAUSD’s Division of Instruction, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year. With 30 years of dedicated service and over two decades as a proud ACSA member, Chiae’s leadership is grounded in equity, innovation, and an unwavering belief in student potential.

Adrian Saldivar, Regional Facilities Director for LAUSD, is the 2025 ACSA Region 16 Classified Administrator of the Year. With 35 years of service to the District and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, responsiveness, and mentorship, Adrian represents the backbone of operational excellence in our schools.