Mark Balch

KHSD Director of New Teacher & Migrant Supports

Mark Balch has committed 29 years to the field of education, with 23 of those years spent in administrative leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has consistently focused on enhancing student success, well-being, and academic achievement. Mark’s leadership style fosters environments where students and educators are supported and empowered to succeed.

Leadership in the Kern High School District

In 2023, Mark became Director of New Teacher and Migrant Support at the Kern High School District (KHSD) in Bakersfield, California. KHSD is the largest K-12 district in the state, serving over 43,000 students. In this position, Mark oversees programs to support new teachers and migrant students, ensuring they receive the resources and guidance necessary to thrive in their educational journeys. His leadership has had a transformative impact on the district, particularly in helping underserved communities and educators.

Educational Background and Early Career

Mark holds 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 degree in History from The Master’s College in Newhall. His academic background has provided a solid foundation for his career in educational leadership. Before transitioning to administration, Mark taught at Highland High School and Fruitvale Junior High School, where he gained firsthand classroom experience that shaped his leadership style.

Key Achievements at KHSD

Under Mark’s leadership, the Kern High Teacher Residency program, a partnership with CSU Bakersfield, has grown significantly. The program is one of California's most extensive teacher residency programs, with plans to expand to 40 teachers and 40 mentors by the 2024-2025 school year. This expansion underscores Mark’s commitment to supporting new educators and improving teacher retention, which ultimately benefits the students they serve.

Mark has also made notable strides in supporting migrant students. The Migrant Support program, which serves over 200 students and families through biweekly Saturday academies, boasts a graduation rate exceeding 98%. Mark’s focus on providing migrant students with the necessary tools and support has helped many overcome educational barriers, empowering them to succeed academically.

Leadership Experience at North High School

Before his current role, Mark G. Balch, Ed.D., was principal at North High School in Bakersfield. During his nearly eight years as principal, Mark spearheaded the development of a career-based pathway program, which included one of California’s first high school aviation programs. His leadership extended beyond the school as he forged partnerships with local community leaders to provide more opportunities for students in a high-poverty area.

Under Mark’s leadership, North High School implemented a data-driven decision-making model, which earned the school a Platinum Award from the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Commission in 2022. He also received the 2018 Regional Star Administrator award from the California Future Farmers of America (FFA) for outstanding leadership and educational contributions.

Experience as Instructional Services Director

Mark also served as Instructional Services Director at KHSD from 2011 to 2015. In this role, he focused on district-wide training for assistant principals and worked to align instructional practices across the district. Mark’s leadership efforts in improving the reclassification rate for English Learners resulted in a 12% increase. He also expanded the AVID program, which helps students prepare for college and career success, leading to positive outcomes across the district.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Mark’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional responsibilities. For the past seven years, he has volunteered with City Serve Bakersfield, an organization that supports migrant families. Mark is also a table leader for the Armor Up men’s ministry and is involved in several leadership and service teams at Canyon Hills Assembly of God in Bakersfield.

Mark was a founding member of the Oildale Community Action Team, which works to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in the area. He also contributed to the Bakersfield Rotary and Lions Club, where he worked to promote leadership and ethics within the local business community.

A Lasting Impact on Education and Community

Mark Balch’s career has been defined by his unwavering dedication to education, community service, and leadership. Through his work in the Kern High School District and his extensive volunteer efforts, Mark has positively impacted the lives of countless students, educators, and families. His leadership continues to shape the future of education, and his commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students ensures that his legacy will inspire future generations. Mark’s work exemplifies a lifelong dedication to fostering success and making a difference in the community.