Los Alamitos Unified School District announced the hiring of Dr. Brandon Martinez to replace Dr. Joshua Arnold, as principal of Los Alamitos High.
Arnold was recently promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, for LAUSD. Prior to joining Los Alamitos Unified, Dr. Martinez was an Assistant Principal in the Rowland Unified School District, Professor at the University of Southern California, and an Assistant Principal and English teacher in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
Los Alamitos Unified School District announced the hiring of Dr. Brandon Martinez to replace Dr. Joshua Arnold, as principal of Los Alamitos High.
Arnold was recently promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, for LAUSD. Prior to joining Los Alamitos Unified, Dr. Martinez was an Assistant Principal in the Rowland Unified School District, Professor at the University of Southern California, and an Assistant Principal and English teacher in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
Dr. Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in English from USC, two Master’s Degrees in English Literature and Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton, and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from USC’s Rossier School of Education.
He has published several articles and has appeared as an expert guest on KPCC’s Fresh Air and NPR’s Market Place radio programs. He played football and soccer in high school, was Senior Class President, and was a member of the Thespians. He later played collegiate and club rugby and taught writing seminars to high school seniors as part of the Pullias Center’s SummerTIME outreach program.
Dr. Martínez lives in Whittier with his wife, Lisa, who is a high school counselor, and three sons, Dylan (16), Jack (12), and Cruz (11). He is an active member of his church and enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, reading, and listening to music. He is also an avid runner and recently qualified for the Boston Marathon. When asked about being named LAHS’ next Principal, Dr. Martinez stated, “I am humbled and honored to be a part of a world class high school and to work with exemplary educators.” Superintendent Kropp said, “I am equally honored to have someone with Dr. Martinez’ background join the Los Al Family and look forward to an amazing school year.”
Dr. Arnold has worked in education for 15 years and has been with the Los Alamitos Unified School District for the past three years serving the role of Principal of Los Alamitos High School. Josh has previously been a high school Principal in Los Angeles, an Assistant Principal in Boston and Orange County, and an English teacher in Santa Monica. He also serves as a curriculum developer for the College Board and sits on the English Language Arts National Development Team. Dr. Arnold earned a B.A. in English from UCLA, a Master’s in Education from Harvard, and an Education Doctorate from the University Of Southern California.
When selected for the position, Arnold remarked that “Having the opportunity to ignite unlimited possibilities for all of the students in Los Al from the vantage point of Educational Services is truly an honor,” Arnold said of his new role. “With the vision of our school board, and the leadership of our Superintendent, Dr. Kropp, there’s no limit to what our students and teachers can achieve.”
Dr. Arnold currently lives in Huntington Beach with his wife and two young children. An avid “foodie,” he tries to visit at least one new restaurant a week and passes on his recommendations to staff.
Dr. Kropp commented, “We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Arnold’s talents and abilities in our District and look forward to his leadership as we continue to improve all outcomes for students.”