One family of leadership, two distinct roles

Our Mission

Our mission is to support high school students through strong partnerships, academic and career readiness, and leadership development. We advocate for superintendents and administrators in business, educational services, Human Resources, and high school principals, supporting their growth as leaders and helping cultivate exceptional school and district leadership.

Leadership

Dr. Ron Carruth

Executive Director

Dr. Ron Carruth served as a superintendent for 16 years in the Whittier City and El Dorado Union High School Districts. He served as President of the ACSA State Superintendents’ Council from 2021–2024, is Executive Director of the California High School Coalition, and is active with Education Leadership Services (ELS), ACSA Membership Services, and the Southern and Northern California Superintendent groups. He previously served as President of California City Superintendents and on the ACS WASC Commission. Ron has earned many honors, including the 2023 ACSA State Ferd Kiesel Distinguished Administrator of the Year, ACSA’s highest award.

Dr. Steve McLaughlin

Board Member & Conference Chair

Now in his fifth year as Superintendent of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Dr. Steve McLaughlin has dedicated more than 25 years to K–12 public education as a teacher, coach, labor representative, and site and district administrator. A strong advocate for collaboration and innovation, he has championed programs that expand academic and career pathways while strengthening partnerships among educators, families, and communities. As a member of the Coalition board, he serves as this year’s Conference Program Chair, designing an interactive experience that brings together high school thought leaders from across the state.

Dr. Mathew Holton

President

Dr. Mathew Holton is Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, one of California’s largest high school districts, serving more than 22,000 students. A native of Upland, he earned his B.S. from Cal Poly Pomona, his M.S. from the University of La Verne, and his doctorate from the University of Southern California. He began his career in Hesperia Unified as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and department chair, later joining CJUHSD as a counselor and dean, then assistant principal and principal at Rancho Cucamonga High School. After serving as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, he was appointed Superintendent in 2008. Now in his 18th year, he has overseen higher graduation rates, tripled A–G completion, expanded college and career readiness, and advanced equity, wellness, and student success. He serves as President of the California High School Coalition.