After nearly 30 years of service to the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD), Superintendent Terry Walker has announced his decision to retire, effective January 31, 2025. Throughout his distinguished tenure, Walker has led IUSD to become one of the highest-performing school districts in the state and nation, with a reputation for educational excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Walker served as a teacher, director, and assistant superintendent of human resources in IUSD before being appointed by the Board of Education in 2011 to succeed Dr. Gwen Gross as the District’s top administrator.
"It has been the honor of my lifetime to lead this extraordinary district," said Superintendent Walker. "As I prepare to step down, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together. IUSD’s success is a direct reflection of the dedication of our 4,000 staff members, our committed Board of Education, the engaged students and families we serve, and our community partners. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated community."
Walker’s decision to retire was guided by advice from his physicians and his desire to spend more time with his family. Though he had hoped to continue in his role for several more years, he is prioritizing his health and well-being.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to express our deep gratitude to Superintendent Terry Walker for his outstanding leadership,” said IUSD President of the Board Cyril Yu. “His vision, commitment to innovation, and focus on the well-being of students and staff have had a profound and enduring impact on our District. While we will miss his leadership and friendship, we are confident that the strong foundation he has built will ensure IUSD’s continued success in providing the highest quality educational experience we can envision for generations of students. We wish him the best in his next chapter."
Building a Future-Ready School District
During Walker’s nearly 14 years as Superintendent, IUSD saw significant transformation as one of the fastest-growing school districts in the nation, with student enrollment increasing by more than 12,000 students. Under his leadership, the District opened ten new schools, including a comprehensive high school, and completed more than $1.2 billion in new and updated facilities to support its expanding student population.
His leadership was integral to the successful passage of Measure E, a facilities improvement bond exceeding $300 million, passed by Irvine voters in 2016. These funds have helped ensure that all IUSD students, no matter where they are within our District, have access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities that reflect IUSD’s dedication to equity and excellence.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness
Walker is particularly proud of IUSD’s significant investments and strides in expanding support for mental health and wellness. Recognizing the growing need even before the pandemic, the District invested in additional personnel, including elementary resource counselors and mental health specialists at every middle and high school. In response to the increased demand post-pandemic, staffing was doubled to better address mental health challenges. The District also expanded its team to improve coordination of student services, ensuring mental health is fully integrated into support systems.
Advancing Educational Innovation Through Technology
Superintendent Walker and IUSD leadership have emphasized the importance of equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Through strategic investments in educational technology, infrastructure, and staffing, the District has become a leader in tech integration across California. Today, IUSD students benefit from digital classrooms, enhanced instructional resources, and new learning opportunities made possible by innovation. The District is positioned as a model for how technology can transform teaching and learning.
Empowerment of Staff and Leaders
He also championed initiatives that fostered a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and leadership development throughout the District. A highlight of his tenure has been working with a talented team committed to excellence, establishing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at each school to foster collaboration among teachers to enhance instructional strategies to drive student success. Additionally, the Continuous Leadership Academy was launched to build leadership capacity and equip administrators with the skills needed to lead confidently. These initiatives help to ensure IUSD’s leadership remains strong, collaborative, and focused on student success.
Leading Through Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the most challenging times for IUSD. During this period of uncertainty, the District, with Superintendent Walker at the helm, made difficult but essential decisions to support the well-being and academic progress of students while working to support the health and safety of staff and our community. As one of the first districts in California to safely reopen for TK-12 in-person instruction, IUSD offered families and staff a variety of options to meet their diverse needs, ensuring flexibility and support during this unprecedented time.
Looking Forward
“The growth we’ve achieved, the resilience we’ve built, and the commitment to educational excellence that defines IUSD will continue long after my departure,” said Walker. “I am confident that our strong foundation, our community’s trust, and our systems of support will guide IUSD into the future.”
Transition Planning
As part of the transition, the IUSD Board of Education will engage in the process of selecting an interim superintendent and launching a search for a permanent successor, working with an expert search firm to ensure a thoughtful and smooth leadership transition. More information will be provided to the IUSD community when updates are available.
