Stauffer Middle School is excited to announce the appointment of Joseph Ortiz as the new principal, effective for the 2026–2027 school year.
Mr. Ortiz currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Warren High School. He brings over 21 years of experience within the Downey Unified School District, where he has worked as a teacher, dean, and administrator. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to instructional excellence, student achievement, and the development of positive school communities.
In his current role at Warren High School, Mr. Ortiz has overseen the Math Department and led a data-driven instructional cycle that resulted in a 12 percent increase in student achievement on the CAASPP assessment. He has also supported districtwide initiatives focusing on Essential Standards, formative assessments, and intervention systems, while leading efforts to transition mathematics instruction from an integrated to a traditional course sequence.
In addition to his instructional leadership, Mr. Ortiz manages campus operations, budgeting aligned with the School Plan for Student Achievement and WASC goals, and school climate initiatives, including PBIS and restorative practices. His leadership has significantly improved campus culture, strengthened support systems, and enhanced student safety. Mr. Ortiz holds a Master’s Degree in Education and an Administrative Services Credential.
As Stauffer welcomes its new principal, the school community expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ally Box for her outstanding leadership and dedication. Beginning July 1, Dr. Box will transition to her new role as Director of Elementary Education for the Downey Unified School District.
Under Dr. Box’s guidance, Stauffer has flourished as a campus focused on collaboration, innovation, and student success. During her tenure, the school earned recognition as a California School to Watch and was designated an Apple Distinguished School. These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of students, staff, and families united by a shared vision of excellence.
“I would like to start by expressing my sincere appreciation to Dr. Ally Box for her exceptional leadership and service to the Stauffer community,” Mr. Ortiz shared in a message to staff. “Dr. Box has led with vision, care, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and families. I am grateful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and congratulate her on her new role as Director of Elementary Education in Downey Unified.”
Mr. Ortiz is enthusiastic about joining the Stauffer community and continuing the school’s tradition of excellence. “I am truly honored to serve as the new Principal of Stauffer Middle School,” he said. “I step into this role with humility, gratitude, and great respect for the work that has come before me and for the talented staff who make Stauffer the special place it is.”
Having served in Downey Unified for nearly two decades, including teaching at Griffiths Middle School from 2007 to 2021, Mr. Ortiz emphasizes the importance of relationships and collaboration in education. “Across every role, one belief has remained constant: schools are strongest when relationships come first, and people feel supported, heard, and valued,” he shared.
Mr. Ortiz also looks forward to reuniting with Vice Principal Mark Schiavo, with whom he previously worked closely at Warren High School. “As we look ahead, my priority is to listen, learn, and build strong relationships,” Mr. Ortiz said. “I am committed to honoring Stauffer’s strengths, supporting the important work happening across campus each day, and continuing the articulation that serves our students from elementary school through Warren High School and beyond.”
Families, staff, and community members are invited to a Meet and Greet to welcome Mr. Joseph Ortiz with Dr. Ally Box on Monday, June 1, at 3:00 p.m. in the Stauffer Middle School Library.