Throughout his trailblazing career, Dr. Don English has prioritized the well-being of all students, supporting vulnerable populations and fostering safe, more inclusive communities.

Now, as the first African American to serve as President of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees, Dr. English is eager to build on the District’s success in preparing generations of students for college and career.

“It is truly an honor to serve the Chaffey Joint Union High School District community – the teachers and administrators who have created an unmatched standard of excellence, my fellow board members, and most of all, the families and students who rely on us to provide the best educational experience possible,” Dr. English said after being elected by his peers to preside over the five-member board.

Dr. English, who has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021, has an extensive and distinguished professional background in education, youth advocacy, and leadership.

He serves as the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, overseeing Homeless Education and Foster Youth Services. In that role, he works to ensure that students facing challenging circumstances receive the support they needed to thrive academically and personally. Dr. English also serves as Executive Director of the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Taskforce, collaborating with community partners to address pressing issues affecting youth and their families.

“Nothing matters more than creating opportunities for young people and supporting their journey in every way possible. We do that through commitment and collaboration,” said Dr. English, a father of two.

A native of Pomona, Dr. English was a star football player at Ganesha High School, along with his twin brother Ron. They continued their football careers at the University of California, Berkeley – with Ron ultimately pursuing a career as a college coach. Don was less clear about his own career until he connected with long-time educator Sherman Garnett, who hired him at the Chaffey West County Community School.

English would work his way up to principal, before joining the County Superintendent of Schools office as an administrator, recognized for his leadership, dedication and commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Over the years, he has been a leader in securing federal, state, and local grant funding, and has a thorough background in legislative analysis, development of curriculum, policies and budgets.

Dr. English holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. He has served as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 12, and President-Elect of ACSA’s Education Options Council, where he provided strategic direction and advocacy for educators across the state. Additionally, as President of the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance, Dr. English championed policies and practices that support the well-being and academic success of all students.

“Don English has spent the past three decades improving the lives of students throughout our county, and over the past three years, as a member of our Board of Trustees. We are grateful for the leadership he and our entire board have provided during,” said Chaffey District Superintendent Dr. Mathew Holton.

With about 24,000 students, the Chaffey District is the second largest high school district in California. In addition to its eight comprehensive high schools, Chaffey has a continuation high school, an online high school, a community day school, an adult school and alternative programs.