Dr. Ruth Pérez
Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Riverside County Office Education

Dr. Ruth Pérez has been serving the Riverside County Office of Education as Deputy Superintendent of Schools since 2021. With a career spanning several renowned educational institutions, Dr. Pérez previously served as the Superintendent of the Paramount Unified School District, representing the communities of Paramount, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Bellflower. During her tenure in Paramount, she spearheaded an Education Foundation initiative that secured an impressive sum of over $250,000 in student scholarships. Additionally, Dr. Pérez successfully led a school bond campaign amounting to $106 million, dedicated to enhancing district facilities and providing students with one-to-one technology which became critical during the global pandemic when schools were shuttered. 

Dr. Pérez' professional journey is marked by an array of distinguished leadership roles across the nation. She held the position of Deputy Superintendent of Instruction for the Los Angeles Unified School District, Superintendent for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, Chief Academic Officer in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, and Area Superintendent in Orange County Public Schools in Florida. Her commitment to educational excellence is evident in her involvement in esteemed organizations such as the National Association of Administrators (AASA) as a Governing Board Member, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as a member of the Superintendents Council, and the Southern Superintendent’s Association in California. Dr. Pérez currently serves on the Board of the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). 

Dr. Pérez' educational achievements include a Doctorate and Master’s degrees obtained from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, as well as a Bachelor's degree from Queen's University of the City University of New York. Her personal background as an English Language Learner from Puerto Rico, educated in the New York City Public School system, fuels her unwavering dedication to improving student achievement and outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on the underserved and English language learners. 

Furthermore, Dr. Pérez is deeply committed to acting as a role model and mentor, providing guidance to emerging leaders aspiring to attain higher leadership positions. She understands the challenges and rewards associated with the superintendent position and endeavors to support and nurture aspiring leaders throughout their professional journeys.