Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District names new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Rick Lopez as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Lopez’s appointment comes following a formal approval by the Board of Education at a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 10.

In this role, Lopez will plan, organize, and direct a comprehensive human resources program including recruitment, selection, classification, wage and salary administration, and employee/employer relations.

“On behalf of the Board, we welcome Mr. Lopez, a veteran leader in PYLUSD, into his new role,” shared Superintendent, Dr. Greg Plutko. “His in-depth organizational knowledge of our school district and community, combined with his exceptional skills surrounding human resources, are just a few of the many qualifications that make him the right match for this dynamic leadership position.”

Notably, Lopez first began his career with PYLUSD in 1994. Prior to his promotion as Assistant Superintendent, he served as a Director of Human Resources for the District.

“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with this position,” said Lopez. “PYLUSD is my home and family, and I am grateful to serve in this new role.”

Throughout his time in PYLUSD, Lopez has held a wide variety of impactful roles including director, principal, assistant principal, school counselor, student services supervisor, and campus supervisor.

“I look forward to building upon our District’s longstanding commitment to excellence in providing an environment for students to thrive in,” Lopez added.

He received his master’s degree in both education and educational leadership from Azusa Pacific University, and his bachelor’s degree in human development from Hope International University.

Outside of PYLUSD, Lopez serves as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Hope International University, teaching human development to fellow educators as a part of the school’s administrative credentialing program. He has also completed the Association of California School Administrators’ personnel academy, a 70-hour professional learning opportunity centered around themes of department organization, employee management, staff development, and more.

This appointment comes after Kevin Lee, the District’s former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, announced in June that he had accepted the same position for the Bonita Unified School District in San Dimas.

Lopez will begin in his new role as Assistant Superintendent starting July 11, 2018.