Downey Unified School District is proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in district leadership, as Columbus High School Principal Dr. Xochitl Ortiz has been named California’s State Continuation / Educational Options Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).
In addition, Dr. Anthony Zegarra, former Principal of Griffiths Middle School who now serves at the district office, has been honored as ACSA Region 14 Business Services Administrator of the Year — making this a remarkable year of recognition for Downey Unified leadership.
A Prestigious Honor at the Statewide Level
Each year, ACSA recognizes outstanding school leaders whose work has a meaningful and lasting impact on students, staff, and school communities. ACSA Region 14 represents more than 20 school and community college districts across Los Angeles County, spanning communities from Beverly Hills to Long Beach.
From this highly competitive region, only a small number of administrators are selected for recognition. This year, two Downey Unified administrators were honored at the regional level, underscoring the district’s strong leadership across both instructional and operational areas.
Even more notably, Dr. Ortiz’s recognition advanced beyond the regional level, resulting in her selection as the state honoree among administrators from all 19 ACSA regions across California, representing more than 1,000 school districts statewide. This rare distinction places her among an elite group of educational leaders and reflects the respect of peers from across the state.
Leading with Purpose and Impact
As State Continuation / Educational Options Administrator of the Year, Dr. Ortiz is recognized for her exceptional leadership in expanding high‑quality educational pathways that support student engagement, persistence, and success. Under her leadership, students are provided with supportive, rigorous programs that honor diverse learning needs, celebrate student strengths, and promote meaningful post‑secondary opportunities.
Dr. Ortiz’s statewide recognition builds on Downey Unified’s proud history of ACSA excellence, mirroring Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer’s advancement from regional recognition to statewide honors in 2022. Her achievement not only celebrates her individual leadership, but also elevates Downey Unified’s work and impact on a statewide stage.
Excellence Across the District
Anthony Zegarra’s recognition as ACSA Region 14 Business Services Administrator of the Year highlights the critical role of strong operational and fiscal leadership in supporting student learning. His work ensures that district resources are managed responsibly, strategically, and in direct support of schools, staff, and students — reinforcing the systems that allow educational programs to thrive.
Together, these recognitions reflect the depth and strength of leadership across Downey Unified and the district’s continued commitment to serving students with excellence at every level.
“These recognitions are truly extraordinary and speak to the caliber of leadership within Downey Unified,” said Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer. “Having two administrators recognized at the regional level, with Dr. Ortiz earning statewide honors, is a powerful affirmation of our belief that Our Kids Deserve the Best.”
Both administrators will be formally recognized by ACSA at upcoming regional and statewide celebrations.