Jerry Almendarez

Educator/Teacher

I am the Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District. My career with Colton spans over twenty years, beginning as a math teacher before moving on to other positions including high school principal and assistant superintendent of Human Resources before becoming superintendent nine years ago. As a product of Colton schools, I enjoy a special connection with the schools and the community that I serve. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from CSU San Bernardino and Masters of Arts from the University of Redlands. I feel a strong connection to the region through memberships in county and regional organizations, including SANDABS, East Valley SELPA, San Bernardino County Alliance for Education, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Advisory Committee, and the Association of California School Administrators. I am a dedicated educator with a commitment to lifelong learning. I work to build that same commitment, not only with the students in my district, but within the employees as well. I strongly encourage the development of my employees and strive to set an example for the district through a dedication to continuing education and professional development. I have served as an adjunct professor with Azusa Pacific University and the University of Redlands.

Creating a dynamic and life-changing educational environment for students. I encourage teachers to be creative and imaginative and to explore innovative educational opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

How building a diverse educational workforce can foster student success both academically and socio-emotionally, and can contribute to the development of our students into culturally responsive, global citizens.

Community Engagement, Educational Leadership, Employee Relations