Fullerton School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka Announces Retirement

The following is a press release from the Fullerton School District and does not reflect editorial work done by Spotlight Schools.

After more than 13 years of dedicated leadership in the Fullerton School District (FSD), Superintendent Robert “Bob” Pletka, Ed.D., has announced his plans to retire on February 1, 2026.

In a letter to the FSD community, Dr. Pletka expressed deep gratitude to students, staff, families, and community members, calling his time as superintendent “one of the greatest honors of my life.”

“This district is so much more than a system of schools—it’s a true community, woven together by people who care deeply about children and one another,” Dr. Pletka shared.

During his tenure, Dr. Pletka has championed innovative instructional programs, expanded access to technology and personalized learning, and strengthened community partnerships to ensure students are prepared with the skills they need for the future. Under his leadership, the district has continued to live its motto, “Great Schools – Successful Kids,” through academic excellence, creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging for all students.

“Dr. Pletka’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the Fullerton School District,” FSD Board of Trustees President Beverly Berryman said. 

“His vision for innovation, his unwavering belief in our students, and his ability to connect with people have strengthened our schools and our community. Many superintendents have vision and leadership, but Dr. Pletka has a true heart and compassion for all students, committing himself to doing all he can to provide them with the best educational experiences and opportunities possible because he knows that is what every child deserves. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are deeply grateful for his years of service and his dedication to ensuring that every FSD student has the opportunity to achieve success.” 

Under Dr. Pletka’s leadership, the Fullerton School District has launched opportunities rarely found in elementary districts, supporting and inspiring programs that connect students, elevate their voices, and expand their futures. From a nationally recognized Speech and Debate program with six consecutive national championships, to the Rising Stars mentorship initiative that sees cohorts of students in need of extra support partnered with mentors that they remain with from fifth grade to eighth grade, to project-based learning like the Tiny Home Project—where eighth graders have built two homes now serving FSD families in need—students are empowered to see themselves as leaders and changemakers. 

Dual Language Immersion Academies in Spanish and Korean have flourished, while middle college and AP courses give junior high students the chance to earn college credits before high school. These innovations reflect Dr. Pletka’s vision of helping students discover their passions and realize that it’s never too early to dream big.

Dr. Pletka began his career in education more than 35 years ago as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. He later served in leadership roles, including Director of Instruction and Technology at Covina-Valley Unified, Associate Superintendent at Vista Unified, and Superintendent of El Centro Elementary School District, before joining Fullerton in 2012.

A recognized leader in educational technology and 21st-century learning, Dr. Pletka is the author of two books—Educating the Net Generation: How to Engage Students in the 21st Century and My So-Called Digital Life. He earned his Doctorate in Education from the joint program at UC Irvine and Cal Poly Pomona, his Master’s in Educational Technology from National University, and his Bachelor’s in Communications from Cal State San Bernardino.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Pletka has become a respected leader through his passion for cultivating a lifelong love of learning in students, his collaborative and caring leadership, and his gift for uniting the community in both moments of celebration and times of challenge.

As he looks ahead, Dr. Pletka says he is most eager to spend more time with his wife Katie, their six children, and grandchildren. 

“I leave this role with deep appreciation—and deep peace—knowing that the Fullerton community will continue to care fiercely for its children and for each other,” Dr. Pletka reflected.  

The Fullerton School District Board of Trustees will begin the process of selecting the district’s next superintendent in the coming months, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

The Fullerton School District (FSD) is located in northern Orange County, California, and serves over 11,000 students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. FSD is home to 15 elementary schools, two transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade schools, three junior high schools, and a distance learning and home school program.

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