The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD) is proud to announce that Superintendent Heath Rocha has been selected as a 2025-2026 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association(NSPRA), a national organization that recognizes exemplary leadership in school communication and community engagement. Superintendent Rocha was recognized at the NSPRA National Conference on July 20, 2026.
Each year, NSPRA recognizes a select group of superintendents in their first five years of service from across the nation who exemplify dynamic leadership and a strong commitment to transparent, two-way communication and community engagement. For the 2025–26 honor, 30 superintendents nationwide were selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees.
Superintendent Rocha was recognized for his people-centered leadership and his ability to guide the district through a period of significant challenge while rebuilding trust, strengtheningengagement, and establishing communication as a core leadership value. Since stepping into the Acting Superintendent role in Fall 2024, Rocha has emphasized visibility, accessibility, and listening as the foundation for meaningful connection with staff, students, families, and the broader community.
Under his leadership, LGSUHSD has implemented a range of communication initiatives designed to increase transparency and two-way dialogue, including next-day Board Meeting Summaries, parent and student advisory committees, expanded survey engagement, and a districtwide approach to celebrating staff and student contributions.
Beyond district operations, Superintendent Rocha remains actively involved in the community, partnering with local civic organizations and modeling open, responsive communication with media and stakeholders.
“This recognition reflects who we are as a community,” said Board President Theresa Bond. “Our students, staff, and families have rallied together under Heath's leadership, and their shared commitment is what makes this honor possible."
Superintendent Heath Rocha shared that he is deeply humbled by this honor. “From day one, this community embraced me with trust and partnership. The strength of our community lies in the way students, families, and staff come together. We have made it a priority to be transparent and collaborative, and I am grateful to serve a district that values partnership as much as I do. This is a shared milestone for all of us."
Since the program began in the 2015–16 school year, NSPRA has recognized 202 superintendents nationwide as Superintendents to Watch. The 2025–26 honorees represent school districts across 17 states.