The Board of Trustees of the El Dorado Union High School District (EDUHSD) has announced the selection and appointment of Michael Kuhlman as its new Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Kuhlman will be succeeding Dr. Ron Carruth, who will be retiring after a distinguished tenure with the district. Reflecting on his new position, Mr. Kuhlman shared “I’m honored to follow Dr. Carruth’s exceptional leadership in the El Dorado Union High School District. I appreciate him taking the time to share his insights into what makes this District such a special place. I can’t wait to meet students, staff, and families, and to hear more about what they feel makes El Dorado Union High School District so unique.
While I am inspired to learn about the outstanding academic achievements, career preparation programs and extracurricular offerings – I have been especially impressed to hear so many people speak of the spirit of collaboration in the El Dorado Union High School District. This is the mark of a healthy District, and I am thrilled to join you all as your new superintendent.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility by the Governing Board. I’m excited to think about what we can accomplish together.”
The El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) assisted throughout the recruitment process. Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, expressed, “Mike Kuhlman’s character and leadership are marked with integrity, service, and remarkable outcomes for students. Under Superintendent Kuhlman’s leadership we anticipate that he will enhance and build upon EDHUSD’s already excellent foundation.”
Mr. Kuhlman brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having begun his career in education in 1995. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, High School Principal, Mentor Teacher, and History Teacher. His dedication to excellence in education is evident in his numerous accolades:
- Top 51 Most Influential People in the Santa Clarita Valley 2019-2023 – Santa Clarita Signal Newspaper – #13 (‘22) #24 (‘21), #41 (‘20) and #30 (‘19.)
- Honorary Service Award 2021 – Santa Clarita Valley Council of PTAs
- District Superintendent of the Year 2021 – Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) – Santa Clarita Valley
- District Office Administrator of the Year 2017 – ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley
- Secondary Principal of the Year 2014 – ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley
- Award for Schoolwide Effectiveness 2012 – ACSA -Santa Clarita Valley
- Middle Grades Principal of the Year 2008 – ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley
- Charter Leadership Award 2007 – ACSA – Region XV
- Co-Administrator of the Year 2005 – ACSA – Region XV
- Crystal Apple Award 1999 – NBC – “For inspirational leadership & teaching excellence in the community”
- Teacher of the Year 1998 – Saugus High School
A staunch advocate for deep professional development, Mr. Kuhlman is a lifelong learner actively involved in several professional networks. His belief in the power of education to transform lives has been a guiding principle throughout his career.
The Board of Trustees believes that Mr. Kuhlman’s leadership and unwavering commitment to student success will propel EDUHSD into a bright and promising future. “After engaging in a detailed and rigorous Superintendent search process that yielded dozens of applicants, the Board is confident that it has chosen the best candidate, Michael Kuhlman, to become the next Superintendent of our District. Mr. Kuhlman has demonstrated and led educational excellence in everything he has done, and the Board is confident that he will lead our El Dorado Union High School District from its current excellence to an even greater focus on maximizing the educational achievement and opportunities of each of our students. We are excited to begin the next chapter with Mike Kuhlman as our new Superintendent,” said Tim Cary, President of the Board of Trustees.
The district extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ron Carruth for his years of dedicated service and wishes him a happy and fulfilling retirement right here in El Dorado County.
For more information about EDUHSD, visit eduhsd.k12.ca.us
