Superintendent

On February 10, 2022, the Board of Education selected Dr. Mario A. Carlos to be the next Superintendent of the La Habra City School District (LHCSD).  Dr Carlos will start in his new role July 1, 2022, following the retirement of current Superintendent, Dr. Joanne Culverhouse.  

Dr. Carlos was born and raised in East Los Angeles. He began his education career in 1994 as an Instructional Assistant and Elementary Teacher.  He was hired by La Habra City School District in 2000 as a 5th grade Teacher at Walnut Elementary.  He then went on to become a Staff Specialist and Language Arts Teacher at Imperial Middle School.  His administrative career began in 2006 as an Assistant Principal at Washington Middle School and he was appointed Principal there two years later in 2008. Dr. Carlos served as Principal at Washington Middle School for eight very successful years, during which time they received a California Gold Ribbon and was named a High-Achieving Title I School. Dr. Carlos joined the District Office as the Director of Communications / Special Programs in 2017 and was promoted in 2020 as the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources. 

Dr. Carlos earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Sociology, with a Minor in Chicano Studies, a Multiple Subject BCLAD Teaching Credential from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Masters of Arts in Pupil Personnel Services/Counseling at Azusa Pacific University.  Dr. Carlos obtained a second Master's Degree at the University of California, Los Angeles in Education Administration and his Doctorate of Education at California State University, Fullerton. 

He has served at California State Universtity, Fullerton as a adjunct Professor in the Educational Doctorate program as well as taught in the Master's of Educational Leadership program at the University of California, Irvine. 

Dr. Carlos has dedicated his service to the La Habra community for over twenty years.  His career has been based on his strong belief of forming genuine and lasting relationships.  He relies on clear and authentic communication and he utilizes a systems approach in problem-solving. His experience in LHCSD as a Teacher and Principal, his District-level leadership, and his genuine love for the community, uniquely qualify him for the position of Superintendent for the La Habra City School District.   

“I am honored to have been chosen as the new Superintendent of the La Habra City School District.  I look forward to continuing to support our families and staff, and work with our Board of Education to lead our moral imperative of empowering students.”

- Dr. Mario A. Carlos