Meet Superintendent Christi Barrett, Ph.D.

2023-2024 School Year

Dear HUSD Families,

I want to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to both returning and new families. It is with immense gratitude that I write to you today, reflecting on the inspiring energy that has filled our schools during these initial days. Your continued choice to entrust us with your child’s education warms our hearts, and we are truly honored to have you as valued members of our thriving community.

We are excited to embark on another chapter of growth and learning together, knowing that the beginning of a school year holds a special promise. Throughout the school year, we will be dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. Our promise to you remains steadfast, in that we strive to Embrace, Educate, and Empower; Every Student, Every Day.

Exciting plans await to showcase our students’ success throughout the year–from special projects and performances to academic achievements and athletic accomplishments. We are dedicated to highlighting the wonderful accomplishments of our students. Your child’s growth and accomplishments will be celebrated with pride, and we invite you to join us in recognizing their remarkable milestones.

As the year unfolds, your feedback and insights will be very valuable to us. We firmly believe in the power of partnership between home and school, and we invite you to join us in this collaborative effort. We are committed to continuously improving our educational programs and ensuring that each student receives the best possible experience. Together, we can meet the unique needs of your children, providing them with a well-rounded education that prepares them for future college and career success.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Dr. Christi Barrett

Superintendent

Hemet Unified School District

Biography

Christi Barrett, Ph.D., is a remarkable educator and visionary leader, currently residing in Southern California. Dr. Barrett’s journey in shaping young minds and transforming communities is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound commitment to the field of education.

In 2016, Dr. Barrett became the first female Superintendent of Hemet Unified School District (HUSD), a monumental achievement that underscored her trailblazing spirit. Today, she continues to serve at HUSD, overseeing a staff of over 3,200 individuals and a diverse student body of over 22,000 students, residing in one of the largest geographical school districts in the State of California. Dr. Barrett’s relentless pursuit of excellence has been affirmed by her recognition as Superintendent of the Year not once, but three times, by the Association of School Administrators (ACSA) Region 19 and the Western Riverside Association of School Managers, a testament to her consistent dedication to her students, families, and staff.

Dr. Barrett’s academic journey is marked by excellence and achievement. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, followed by her Masters in Special Education from the University of California, Riverside. Her thirst for knowledge led her to complete her Doctoral program at Claremont Graduate University, where she emerged as a beacon of leadership from the School of Educational Studies in the Urban Leadership program and later received the Urban Leadership Alumni Achievement Award.

With 22 years of rich educational experience, Dr. Barrett has held various key roles in the field. From being a dedicated teacher to assuming the responsibilities of a principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Her journey has been a mosaic of diverse and impactful roles, characterized by collaboration and innovation.

As Superintendent, Dr. Barrett’s impact transcends the walls of the classroom. Her commitment to her community is demonstrated through her involvement in various organizations, including her role as President of the Health Valley Foundation, a Board Member for the Western Science Center, and a member of the Hemet San Jacinto Group, as well as collaborations with esteemed institutions like the National Center for Systemic Improvement. She has also been a guest speaker on various podcasts, including most recently, Studer Education’s Accelerate Your Performance: Continuous Improvement Through Leadership. As a thought leader and catalyst for change, she continues to consistently push the boundaries of what education can achieve.

Superintendent, Dr. Christi Barrett, featured on Tech & Learning podcast.

Superintendent, Dr. Christi Barrett, featured on Schools on the Front Lines with Carl Cohn podcast.

EdSource · Introducing: Schools on the Frontlines with Carl Cohn