Jose Luis Araux, whose two-year tenure coincided with a large employee turnover in the Perris Union High School District, announced on Sunday that he is retiring as superintendent at the end of the calendar year.
Araux, a former principal in the Jurupa Valley Unified School District and a former member of the PUHSD Board of Education, was approved as superintendent by the board in July 2024. According to several sources, that marked a change in direction that resulted in the departure of at least 13 administrators – including four principals.
The circumstances of the announcement are unusual, considering that PUHSD employees were informed of Araux’s retirement by email on a Sunday – one day before the first day of school. On Saturday, Araux called this reporter to “let you know before you hear it from somewhere else.”
Araux’s resignation is scheduled to be approved by the board at its meeting on Wednesday. In the same meeting, the board is being asked to approve an amendment to the superintendent’s salary schedule, which would increase Araux’s salary to $332,840, retroactive to July 1. He will paid six months of that salary until his departure date of Jan. 1, 2027. He will receive additional payment through a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) – his second, including one from Jurupa Valley Unified beginning in 2024.
In his email to district employees on Sunday, Araux praised the accomplishments of the district over the last two years.
“Over the past several weeks, the Cabinet and I have taken time to reflect on the goals and milestones we set for ourselves and our students when I became superintendent,” Araux wrote in the email. “As we begin a new school year, we are proud of the progress we have made and excited about the opportunities ahead for our students and our district.
“Together, we, Certificated, Classified, and administrative staff, have seen significant improvements in student achievement, attendance, and school safety. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families. I believe we are on firm footing and well positioned to continue providing the very best educational opportunities for our students during this 26-27 school year.
“As I reflected on this progress and considered the future of the district, I came to the personal conclusion that the time is right for a new chapter, for the district and for me. At Wednesday’s Board meeting, I will announce my intention to retire as superintendent, effective Jan. 1, 2027. That is, my last day as superintendent will be Dec. 31, 2026. Between now and then, my commitment to this district, our students, our community, and to each of you remains unwavering. Over the next four months, I will support the board in the search for our next superintendent and ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition of leadership.”
Also on Sunday, Menifee 24/7 received an email from district HR director Alfredo Andrade, listing accomplishments in the district during Araux’s time as superintendent, including increases in attendance, reduction in campus fights, and new student programs, including an Online Academy. Also listed is the creation of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
“Our schools are safer, attendance is up, academic outcomes are improving, and students have more opportunities than ever before,” the document states. You can read the entire document in the School News section of our website.
Also on Wednesday’s agenda is a discussion of the process for recruiting and hiring a new superintendent. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at district headquarters, located at 155 E. Fourth Street in Perris.
