Mark Balch is an experienced high school administrator with 29 years in education, 23 of which have been spent in leadership roles. He has worked at both the school site and district levels, focusing on enhancing student well-being, academic success, and social-emotional growth. His leadership emphasizes community involvement and continuous improvement of instructional practices, aiming to create a supportive and effective learning environment for all students.
In 2023, Mark became the Director of New Teacher and Migrant Support in 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 capacity, Mark has worked to strengthen support systems for new teachers and migrant families, ensuring that these groups receive the necessary resources to succeed and thrive.
Mark G. Balch, Ed.D., 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 in History from The Master's College in Newhall. His academic background has given him the knowledge and expertise to lead effectively and drive meaningful educational change.
During his tenure at KHSD, Mark has overseen the expansion of several key initiatives. Under his leadership, the Kern High Teacher Residency program grew significantly, making it one of California's most extensive teacher residency programs. The Kern High Induction Program also achieved full certification for seven years, and the Migrant Support Program boasts an impressive graduation rate of over 98%. Mark has also managed multimillion-dollar budgets and secured essential funding through grants to sustain these programs.
Before assuming his current role, Mark was the principal at North High School in Bakersfield. During his nearly eight years in this role, he implemented career-based pathways, including one of the state’s first high school aviation programs. His efforts to work with local leaders to address challenges in a high-poverty area earned him a Platinum Award from the California PBIS Commission in 2022 for promoting a positive school culture.
Mark has also served as Instructional Services Director for KHSD and held positions as Assistant Principal at East Bakersfield High School and West High School. Outside of his professional work, he volunteers with City Serve Bakersfield and serves in leadership roles at Canyon Hills Assembly of God. Mark Balch’s dedication to education and community inspires those around him.
