Superintendent | Frank Miranda, Ed.d

Superintendent's Message

March 2, 2026

Superintendent’s Message: A time of celebration and an opportunity to shine

Dr. Frank Miranda, Ed.D.

Springtime is an exciting time in CJUSD. So many celebrations and special recognition events. Read Across America, promotion ceremonies and graduations. I hope everyone in our community will take the time to savor the special moments. For students, parents and staff alike, these are the times that mark our memories and remind us of the payoff for our hard work.

It is also a time for state testing, which has a special payoff all its own. It is an opportunity to demonstrate progress we have made toward reaching academic goals. It is an opportunity to shine, but also an invaluable opportunity for us to see where we should be doing better in helping students get where they need to be. It holds us accountable.

I want to take a moment to encourage every parent and student to embrace this opportunity.

For parents, please ensure your students get good sleep and eat well. Breakfast is available each morning before school in our cafeterias. You can also talk to your students about testing and let them know that it’s okay to be nervous, but it is also important to keep a positive attitude and do their best.

For teachers, thank you for your work and collaboration as you help students prepare for the upcoming tests. Practice is so important, along with encouragement and the supportive environment that helps our students thrive.

Our district’s Executive Cabinet and Educational Services team met recently with school administration from each of our elementary, middle and high schools to discuss site-level plans to prepare students for testing, areas of concern and ways to celebrate and reward the effort. I am proud and grateful for the efforts of all.

As we enjoy our springtime celebrations and festivities, one of the best ways we can do that is to invest energy and focus into showing what we know and what we have accomplished.

As always, I am proud and grateful to be Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District. Keeping students first and striving for achievement, equity and wellness for all.

2 de marzo, 2026

Mensaje del Superintendente: Un momento de celebración y una oportunidad para brillar

La temporada de primavera es un momento emocionante en CJUSD. Tenemos tanto que celebrar y eventos de reconocimientos especiales. Desde Read Across America y ceremonias de promoción y graduaciones. Espero que todos en nuestra comunidad se tomen el tiempo de saborear estos momentos especiales. Para los estudiantes, padres y miembros del personal por igual, estos son los momentos que se graban en nuestro banco de recuerdos y nos recuerdan sobre la recompensa de nuestro arduo esfuerzo.

También es un momento para las evaluaciones estatales, las cuales vienen con recompensas especiales por sí mismas. Es una oportunidad para demostrar el progreso que tenemos hacia lograr nuestros objetivos académicos. Es una oportunidad para brillar, y también la oportunidad invaluable para nosotros ver donde podríamos mejorar nuestros esfuerzos para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes para que logren sus objetivos. Nos hace responsables.

Deseo tomar este momento para animar a todos los padres y estudiantes a que aprovechen esta oportunidad.

Para padres, por favor aseguren que sus estudiantes duerman y coman bien. Ofrecemos desayuno cada mañana antes de que inicien las clases en nuestras cafeterías. También puede hablar con sus estudiantes sobre las evaluaciones y recordarles que es normal sentirse nerviosos, aunque también es importante mantenerse positivos y hacer lo mejor posible.

Para maestros, gracias por su dedicación y colaboración mientras ayudan a los estudiantes a prepararse para las próximas evaluaciones. Practicar es muy importante, al igual que el tener un ambiente de apoyo y ánimo que ayude a los estudiantes a ser exitosos.

Nuestros equipos de gabinete ejecutivo y de servicios educativos se reunieron con la administración escolar de cada una de nuestras primarias, secundarias, y preparatorias para platicar sobre los planes a nivel de plantel para preparar a los estudiantes para las evaluaciones, áreas de preocupación y maneras para celebrar y recompensar sus esfuerzos. Me enorgullece y agradezco todos sus esfuerzos.

Mediante disfrutamos de nuestras celebraciones y festividades de primavera, una de las mejores maneras es invertir energía y enfoque en demostrar lo que sabemos y nuestros logros.

Como siempre, estoy orgulloso y agradecido de ser el Superintendente del Distrito escolar unificado de Colton. Mantenemos a los estudiantes primero y nos esforzamos para adquirir logros académicos, equidad y bienestar para todos.

Biography

Dr. Frank Miranda became the superintendent of Colton Joint Unified School District on January 1, 2020, embarking on a mission to uplift students and the community through visionary leadership and an unrelenting dedication to excellence. A true advocate for the power of education, Dr. Miranda has been a guiding force in the district for over two decades, shaping lives and futures with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to student success. His journey through leadership began long before his role as assistant superintendent of Business Services, having served as the director of Human Resources, elementary school principal, and assistant principal—each role adding to his deep understanding of what it takes to nurture a thriving educational environment.

With over 21 years of leadership experience, Dr. Miranda’s ability to balance vision with execution sets him apart. His strategic foresight, coupled with a heart for service, ensures that every decision he makes is rooted in a genuine desire to see students flourish. His personal academic path, starting with a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, followed by a master’s in education from National University, and culminating in a doctorate in education from the University of La Verne, reflects his relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

But Dr. Miranda’s commitment goes far beyond his own achievements. He gives back to the education community by serving as a dissertation committee member at the University of La Verne and mentoring aspiring leaders through the California Latino School Administrators’ organization. His influence extends beyond administrative duties—he is a source of inspiration and guidance for the next generation of educators, demonstrating the importance of leadership grounded in compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Dr. Miranda’s service doesn’t stop with his professional career. Recognized for his volunteer work and continuous efforts to better the community, he has also earned numerous certifications in technology innovation, business services, the superintendency, personnel management, and effective governance. Every certification and recognition is a testament to his belief in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education.

At home in the Inland Empire, Dr. Miranda cherishes his time with his wife Carol and their son Matthew. Their family shares a strong faith and is actively involved in Water of Life Church in Fontana, embodying the values of community, service, and love.

Community Cabinet

CJUSD Community Cabinet was formed in August 2013 to bring a diverse group of partners together to support schools and build community involvement in education. The effort includes representatives from businesses, government, other educational entities, community non-profit and faith-based organizations, and parents, all recognizing that success for our students will provide a strong workforce and more economic growth for our entire region.

In its inaugural year, Community Cabinet members formed committees to focus on four key priority areas: Mental & Physical Health Awareness, Literacy, Early Preparation, and Academic and Career Readiness. Projects included Colton's first district-wide College and Career Fair, a resource fair, a literacy festival, parenting skills workshops, and more.

As we move through the 2024-24 school year, Community Cabinet continues to focus on ongoing dialogue with our community and educational partners, students, teachers, and principals. We also continue to pursue ways to make direct connections between our community professionals and our students. Topics will align with our CJUSD Design Plan and our district motto of "Keeping Students First ... Achievement, Equity, Wellness." We hope these discussions will enable our community partners to become more involved in our educational program and provide opportunities for our students.

COMMUNITY CABINET MEETING DATES

Location: Professional Learning Center/Board Room,

900 E. Washington St, Colton 92324

Time: 10:00 a.m.

October 22, 2025
February 18, 2026
April 29, 2026

A PURPOSEFUL COMMUNITY

Strong communities work together to reach common goals and achieve a bright future for everyone. At CJUSD, we believe in building a Purposeful Community by making strong connections between the business and professional communities, local government, other educational partners and community-based organizations, and our district, parents and students.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR COMMUNITY CABINET?

Are you a K-12 parent, community member, or local business interested in getting involved with the Colton Joint Unified School District? CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda invites you to join his Community Cabinet. Learn about all the amazing things happening in our district by attending interactive meetings throughout the year, featuring student performances, engaging students, and professional networking.

For any questions, please contact

Eric Perez, Communications Specialist

Communications

Communications Department

Media Requests

All media requests should be directed to the Colton Joint Unified School District Communications Department.

For general assistance from the Communications Department, email diane_calles@cjusd.net or call (909) 580-6507.

The Communications Department provides information about the schools and programs of the Colton Joint Unified School District for our community, parents and staff. Our team strives to keep our stakeholders up to date on district issues by providing timely information through social media, working with our local and regional media partners (newspaper, radio, and television), and directly communicating with community stakeholder groups. We also coordinate the Superintendent's Community Cabinet to build partnership and awareness of our programs among local nonprofits, businesses, educational, and government agencies, and parents and to promote a culture of academic success in the communities we serve. The Communications Department also houses the district's translation services. We translate numerous documents for our sites and departments each year to ensure important information is available to all.

Communications Department

Katie Orloff

Director, Communications Department

Eric Perez

Communications Specialist

Diane Calles, Administrative Assistant
Cynthia Bueno, Translator/Receptionist
Adha Velador, Translator/Receptionist

Tina Petersen Ed.D., Asst Superintendent of Educational Services

Biography

Biography

Dr. Tina Petersen is a dedicated leader in education serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for CJUSD. In this role, her focus is on creating equitable learning opportunities for ALL students, ensuring the district's instructional programs are aligned with state standards and best practices. She works closely with educators and administrators to implement innovative teaching strategies and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the district. In her role, Tina is responsible for overseeing several departments including PK-6th Grade, 7-12th Grade, Language Support Services, Informational Technology, and School Improvement and Accountability. She is committed to opening doors to college and career aspirations for ALL students and believes that every student deserves access to high-quality educational experiences. Tina’s career with CJUSD spans over 32 years, having taught high school for 16 years before moving on to other positions including high school principal and secondary director. As a lifelong learner, Tina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Redlands. She received her Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne and represents the university as a dissertation chair for future graduates.When not working, Tina enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going on new adventures, and baseball.

DEPARTMENTS

Brandon Dade, Ed.D, Asst Superintendent of Human Resources

Biography

Biography

Dr. Brandon Dade is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD), where he is dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative environment for both staff and students. With a strong background in educational leadership and human resource management, Brandon leads initiatives aimed at recruitment, professional development, and employee relations, ensuring that CJUSD attracts, retains, and supports top talent. His work is grounded in a commitment to creating an inclusive and positive culture, advancing the district's mission to provide high-quality education and equitable opportunities for all students.

Brandon brings over 25 years of experience in education and HR leadership to his role. His passion for empowering educators and staff members drives his approach to leadership, creating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

Departments

Anthony Ortiz, Ph.D., Asst Superintendent of Student Services

Biography

Biography

Dr. Anthony Ortiz has dedicated over 31 years to improving education for students of all backgrounds. His extensive career spans various roles, from bilingual teacher to Program Facilitator, Assistant Principal, Elementary and Middle School Principal, Director of Research & Assessment, and Director of Special Education. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Ortiz earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Riverside, and his Masters of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Claremont Graduate University. Throughout his career, Dr. Ortiz has focused on closing the achievement gap and advancing educational opportunities for students facing academic, cultural, social/emotional, and behavioral challenges. His leadership has been defined by a commitment to equity and access, ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, receive the support they need to succeed.As the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Ortiz continues to support and advocate for students' wellbeing, safety, behavior, and special needs. His commitment to student success includes active collaboration with parents and families. He recognizes the critical role parents play in a child’s educational journey. In his leadership roles, Dr. Ortiz has consistently worked to build strong partnerships between schools and families, foster open communication, and create opportunities for parents to engage in their children’s learning process. His dedication to engaging parents as partners has been a cornerstone of his leadership, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive school environment for all students.

DEPARTMENTS

Gregory Fromm, Asst Superintendent of Business Services

Biography

Biography

Born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, I embarked on a career that began in the realm of athletics, including playing and coaching college football. These experiences paved the way for my 13-year tenure as an Assistant Superintendent, a role in which I served various capacities: two years in Student Services, two years in Human Resources, and nine years in Business Services. Prior to this, my professional journey included positions as a Secondary Principal for five years, an Assistant Principal for three years, and a Physical Education teacher for seven years. Additionally, I spent six years as an Adjunct Instructor, teaching Physical Education and Health Education. My academic background is comprehensive. I am a graduate of the Urban Superintendent Academy and the School Business Management Program at the University of Southern California. Moreover, I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, a Master of Science in Physical Education from Canisius College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services from the State University of New York at Buffalo.Throughout my career, I have earned multiple certifications, including the School Management Negotiators Certification from the School Employers Association of California, the Certified Chief Business Official designation from the California Association of School Business Officials, and a School Business Management Certification from the University of Southern California. I also hold clear credentials in Educational Administrative Services and Physical/Health Education K-12.

DEPARTMENTS

Departments

DEPARTMENTS

DEPARTMENTS

NUTRITION SERVICES