On Monday, September 18, 2023, during a Special Meeting of the Kern High School District (KHSD) Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael Zulfa was appointed the 22nd Kern High School District Superintendent, effective February 1, 2024. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Bryon Schaefer, who has served as the Superintendent for the past nine years and 38 years in the Kern High School District.
Dr. Zulfa is a highly esteemed educator with a remarkable 30 years in education, including a 25-year career with the Kern High School District. He is a proud alumnus of West High School and began his journey in education as a teacher at Garces Memorial High School. In 1999, he continued his passion for education and taught at South High School. Over the years, Dr. Zulfa took on increasingly important roles within the District, including serving as the Dean of Instruction at South High School in 2003 and the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Foothill High School in 2005.
In 2009, Dr. Zulfa's leadership led him to become the Principal of South High School. His dedication to educational excellence continued, and in 2011, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for the Kern High School District. In 2014, he was appointed Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and, most recently, Associate Superintendent of Business in 2021.
“I feel truly blessed and humbled to be chosen to lead this remarkable district, " said Zulfa. "Having devoted my professional life to student success, I expect us to work with district partners to ensure all of our students have the supports they need for future success.”
Dr. Zulfa earned his doctorate in 2015 from Liberty University. As Dr. Zulfa assumes his new role as Superintendent on February 2, 2024, he brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to the students and staff of Kern High School District, and a vision for continuing the District’s tradition of excellence.