Mark Balch Male • United States of America

Mark Balch is an experienced high school administrator with 29 years in education, including 23 years in various leadership roles. Through community involvement and instructional improvements, his career has enhanced student well-being, academic success, and social-emotional growth. His leadership spans both school site and district levels, where he has worked to improve the educational experience for students.

In 2023, Mark G. Balch, Ed.D., became the Director of New Teacher and Migrant Support at the Kern High School District (KHSD) in Bakersfield, California, the largest K-12 district in the state, serving over 43,000 students. He earned a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, a master’s in Educational Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and a bachelor’s in History from The Master's College.

Mark's leadership within KHSD includes overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets and securing significant funding through grants. He led the Kern High Teacher Residency Program, a partnership with CSU Bakersfield, which has grown to be one of the most extensive residency programs in the state. The program is set to expand, with plans to include 40 teachers and 40 mentors for the 2024-2025 school year. Mark also directed the Kern High Induction Program, which received full certification for seven years, and has overseen the Migrant Support program, which boasts a graduation rate of over 98% while serving over 200 students and their families biweekly through Saturday academies.

Before his current position, Mark was the principal at North High School in Bakersfield for nearly eight years. During his tenure, he developed a career-based pathway program, including one of California’s first high school aviation programs. He worked closely with community leaders to foster positive changes in a high-poverty area. His efforts in data-driven decision-making earned North High School a Platinum Award from the California PBIS Commission in 2022.

Mark’s career also includes serving as Instructional Services Director for KHSD, where he developed district-wide professional development programs and aligned assessment practices. As Assistant Principal of Instruction at East Bakersfield High School, he led a team of 80 teachers and managed the school’s master schedule.

Mark Balch continues to serve his community through volunteer work with City Serve Bakersfield and local ministries, positively impacting students and families throughout Kern County. His leadership and dedication continue to shape education in the region.