The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Brad Baker as Principal of Dana Hills High School, effective July 1, 2019.
Shorecliffs Middle School Principal, Dr. Baker was promoted to Principal of Dana Hills High School at the Board’s June 12 meeting. Baker replaces Dr. Josh Porter, who has accepted an Assistant Superintendent position with Temple City Unified School District in Los Angeles County.
“I am eager to join the Dana Hills High School team,” said Baker. “I truly understand how critical the high school experience is to our student’s educational and social-emotional development and success, and I value the importance of offering every student an education that is both nurturing and inspiring.”
Over the last sixteen years, Dr. Baker has served the students of Capistrano Unified in a variety of roles including Teacher, Teaching Assistant Principal, Activities Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. During the past three years as Principal at Shorecliffs Middle School, Baker has implemented a systematic process for energizing the staff around student learning, and developed a Professional Learning Community focus that has now spread to all Capistrano Unified schools. Throughout his career, Dr. Baker has demonstrated the ability to inspire all children and motivate their desire to succeed.
“Dr. Baker’s efforts to engage students in conversations about ways to improve the school experience has made a tremendous impact on Shorecliffs,” said Trustee Martha McNicholas. “His collaborative work with both the staff and parent community will continue to move Dana Hills High School in a positive, innovative, and student focused direction.”
Dr. Baker also serves as a Graduate Adjunct Professor at Concordia University, teaching courses such as Legal and Political Aspects in Education, Curriculum Design and Assessment, and Educational Research-Methods and Analysis. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Azusa Pacific University, Master of Education from Chapman University, and his Doctoral degree from the University of Southern California.