On November 6, 2025, editors Eric Gao and Maddie Guan interviewed Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza at the Yorba Linda High School Library. They discussed everything from a love of Disney to the transformative power of education.
In her previous home, Jefferson County, Jeffco Public Schools, which covers 778 square miles of white winters and evergreen forests, contrasts with Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD), which is concentrated within 45 square miles of warm weather and horse trails. She finds our tight-knit community easier to navigate, and she can visit many schools in one day.
As one moves from meeting to meeting, it is easy to become disconnected from the school community. However, Dr. Kym believes, “the most important work we do is to educate kids” (2:42). This is why it is so important to her that she is hands-on and inside schools as much as she can, so she provides what is best for the hundreds of teachers and thousands of students.
With her experiences as an educator and a leader, she understands the importance of giving educators as much freedom as possible in their classrooms. Not only that, Dr. Kym recognizes that her policies are in place to guide students, not limit them.
Her team describes her as empathetic, purposeful, and overall well-rounded, and PYLUSD’s Public and Media Relations specialist, Lorely Meza (Staff), sees Dr. Kym as a leader who has “demonstrated a leadership style rooted in experience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to students and the community.” As a student on the Superintendent Advisory Council, Maddie Guan believes Dr. Kym embodies exactly what the student body wants: unity, involvement, and collaboration.
Education remains at the center of her decision-making. Dr. Kym firmly believes that education has the power to transform every student’s life because “education gives you choices” (8:44) and leads to limitless possibilities.
With a new path awaiting her, Dr. Kym settles into her new position comfortably. Vowing to put the needs of the community before the business aspect, our new leader takes on the step with a bright agenda.
