Dr. Don Austin, has ventured a long way to end up as Superintendent of the PVPUSD. From team captain of the Bakers University Varsity Football team, to the most recent Assistant Superintendent of Huntington Beach, Dr. Austin worked his way up the education system to get to where he is today. As an educator, Dr. Austin originally worked as the Activities Director. “My best memories always go back to the relationships I had with students. As a teacher, I loved my job as an Activities Director.  I formed tight bonds with my ASB students and did things to positively impact our school culture.”

Dr. Austin was determined to be a leader ever since his college days as team captain at Baker University at Baldwin City, Kansas. “Football taught me a lot about leadership and perseverance,” said Dr. Austin.  “One great person on a team isn’t good enough if the other 10 people on the field are all doing their own thing.” While playing football, Dr. Austin learned the key lesson that when you are down, it is important to get right back up. “It is safe to say that football was a major factor in creating the person I am today.” With the mindset of a team captain, Dr. Austin believes that the students of our district will to go out and do the best we can. “I expect our students to find a way to ‘win’ each day; to make the best of their opportunities, participate in their classes, and go to sleep each night a little better than they were the day before.”

Dr. Austin knows that high school is not the easiest of times for students,  so he stresses the importance of having a goodtime. “If high school doesn’t have an element of fun, we are missing something.  “Fun looks different for everyone, so it is important to define it for yourself,” explains Dr. Austin. “It [fun] could mean embracing a favorite class, meeting friends at lunch, participating in an activity, or just relaxing during a break on the grass; a high school career is shorter than it sound – enjoy it!” Being the new Superintendent of a district comes with lots of responsibilities, but Dr. Austin plans to make this district the best for every student. “I am excited for many things in the future of our district. This is a special place that still has room to grow and expand. We have the opportunity to help every student to reach their full potential and to create amazing leaders.”