She walked the Irvine Unified School District grounds as a student, taught in these classrooms as an educator and was instrumental in guiding Northwood through its formative years. Now, as of April 28, she helps shape the future of them all. New Superintendent Cassie Parham’s journey is woven into the fabric of Irvine, and many are excited to see her guide IUSD into a new chapter—one shaped by the same care and commitment she’s always shown.

“I am committed to honoring the legacy of those who led before me, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, students, parents and community to continue IUSD’s tradition of excellence,” Parham said. “I look forward to the journey ahead and to the continued success of current and future generations of students.”

Early support from teachers sparked Parham’s lifelong love of language arts and passion for storytelling, paving the way for her acceptance into the College of Creative Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara and ultimately her career as an English teacher.

“As a product of Irvine schools, I experienced firsthand how a teacher can shape a student’s sense of self and instill confidence and hope,” Parham said. “My teachers recognized in me capacities I would not have seen without their encouragement and investment in my success. I learned that education is the most powerful profession in the world.” 

After Northwood opened its doors in 1999, Parham served as assistant principal for the school’s first six years, as well as its first activities director. She also helped shape the early foundations of the school’s Humanities program.

“This whole system of humanities—the core classes in ninth and tenth, the anchors—all of that has been here since the very beginning,” history teacher Vadim Rubin said. “She was always instrumental in supporting and helping that as a program. Northwood does things differently and I know we have a superintendent who really understands our success and the reasons for it.”

Colleagues remember her not just as a leader, but as an open-minded individual who brought ideas to life through encouragement and collaboration. English teacher Erik Emery recalls how Parham invited him to write a screenplay for a short film at Northwood, giving musical feedback and joining in on creative discussions. 

“One thing I remember about her a lot was just her excitement when, whether or not it’s students or staff members, had original creative ideas,” Emery said. “She always wanted to hear other people’s thoughts, and I think that brought our school community closer to each other.”

To center student voices and foster true inclusivity, she helped create “Stop the Hate” week, a schoolwide initiative centered around unity and student empowerment. 

“I remember Ms. Parham always supported students and their clubs and teachers over community members who wanted to interject and not allow things,” history teacher Sandy Banks said. “She was a big proponent of allowing student voice and student decisions and supporting teachers who encourage that.”

In 2005, Parham became Northwood’s second principal as Northwood went through increasing development and enrollment. Under her leadership, Northwood was named as one of Newsweek’s top 21 “public elite” high schools and selected as a National Blue Ribbon School. She then transitioned into district leadership in 2007, serving mainly as the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. 

As superintendent, Parham plans to expand mental health support and remove barriers to ensure educational equity, while also maintaining academic excellence by using new technologies like artificial intelligence. 

“My philosophy is rooted in a spirit of continuous improvement and a deep respect for Irvine’s culture,” Parham said. “We have never been content to rest on our laurels, and we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our students and preparing them for a future none of us can fully comprehend.”