Cypress School District Names New Superintendent

The following is a press release from the Cypress School District and does not reflect editorial work done by Spotlight Schools. Submit a press release to Spotlight Schools by emailing hello@spotlightschools.com.

The Cypress School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Grant Litfin as the district’s next Superintendent.

Dr. Litfin brings more than two decades of distinguished educational experience and a proven record of strengthening school communities, advancing student achievement, fostering innovation, and building collaborative partnerships. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for Tustin Unified School District, where he has been a member of the district leadership team since 2012.  

Following a comprehensive search process that included extensive input from teachers, classified staff, administrators, parents, and community members, the Board unanimously selected Dr. Litfin as the leader best suited to guide Cypress School District into its next chapter of excellence.

“The Board sought a superintendent who would place students at the center of every decision, build strong relationships throughout our community, support our employees, and provide exceptional leadership for the future of our district,” said Dr. Lydia Sondhi, President of the Cypress School District Board of Trustees. “Dr. Litfin embodies those qualities. His experience, vision, integrity, and commitment to collaboration make him an outstanding choice to serve the students, families, and staff of Cypress School District.”

Dr. Litfin’s career reflects a deep commitment to public education and student success. Beginning with student teaching in an elementary school classroom, he has served as a classroom teacher, middle school administrator, high school principal, and district administrator. Prior to joining Tustin Unified School District, he served as principal of Los Alamitos High School and previously held administrative and teaching positions in Torrance Unified School District.

Known as a visionary educational leader and program builder, Dr. Litfin has successfully led initiatives that have positively impacted student achievement across all grade levels, from transitional kindergarten through high school. His leadership experience encompasses curriculum and instruction, district operations, technology, facilities, student support services, fiscal management, and organizational development.

Dr. Litfin is a strong advocate for research-based instructional practices that ensure every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities. He understands the critical importance of early literacy and mathematics instruction and supports evidence-based approaches grounded in the Science of Reading, Cognitively Guided instruction (CGI), and problem-based learning.

Throughout his career, Dr. Litfin has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and resource stewardship. He has played a key role in securing more than $40 million in grant funding for technology, safety, and facilities improvements, helping create enhanced learning environments that directly benefit students and staff.

In 2019, Dr. Litfin was recognized as the California Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from [the] University of Southern California.

“I am honored to serve as the next Superintendent of Cypress School District,” said Dr. Litfin. “I am excited to join a community that values strong relationships, educational excellence, and student success. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, staff, families, and community partners to build upon the district’s strengths, establish a shared vision, and create a clear path forward that supports every student and ensures long-term success.”

The Board expressed confidence that Dr. Litfin’s leadership style aligns closely with the priorities identified throughout the community engagement process, including strengthening trust and communication, supporting student learning, enhancing special education services, maintaining fiscal stability, and fostering a positive culture where students and employees thrive.

Dr. Litfin will assume his duties as Superintendent on July 1, 2026.