Dr. Tonatiuh 'Tony' Signoret has been appointed as the superintendent of Schools for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD). Previously serving as the interim superintendent, Signoret's new contract extends until June 30, 2025.
John Gerardi, Board of Education President, praised Signoret in a statement released by PSUSD. "Throughout his tenure in the District, including the past six months as our Interim Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Signoret has consistently exhibited strong leadership, commitment, dedication, and devotion to PSUSD," Gerardi said. "With his wisdom, talent, integrity, and compassion, the Board is highly confident that we have the right individual at the helm to guide our District forward in the best interest of our nearly 20,000 students."
Signoret holds a bachelor's degree from Whittier College, a master's degree in educational leadership from Chapman University and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. According to PSUSD's press release, he has devoted most of his 33-year career in education to PSUSD. His journey began as a bilingual teacher at Agua Caliente Elementary and later encompassed roles such as district assistant principal and principal at both elementary and middle school levels. In 2011, he became PSUSD’s director of certificated human resources before serving as assistant superintendent of human resources at Desert Sands Unified School District for two years. He returned to PSUSD as the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources in 2017.
In response to his appointment, Signoret expressed gratitude and excitement about continuing his work with PSUSD. "I am proud and humbled to be selected to serve as PSUSD’s Superintendent of Schools," he said according to the press release. "I look forward to our continued focus on academic success and becoming an anti-racist organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion."
The application process for the position, as outlined by PSUSD, included surveys, public meetings and nationwide advertising. The district received over 40 inquiries and 22 applicants. Notably, Signoret is the first Hispanic superintendent of schools for PSUSD.
PSUSD currently operates a range of educational institutions and programs according to its website. These include sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, four comprehensive high schools, two continuation high schools, alternative education programs, headstart/state preschools, full-day headstart programs and childcare programs. The district also offers special education instruction for English Learners, Tech Prep, athletics, advanced placement, Title I, Career Technical Education (CTE) career pathways, California Partnership Academies (CPA), Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), a 24/7 laptop program and numerous other services.