Saddleback Valley Unified School District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Saddleback Valley Unified School District has 4 executives leading key functions including educational strategy, financial management, board governance, and teacher association advocacy.

Committed to academic excellence, Saddleback Valley Unified School District fosters partnerships between school, home, and community to instill essential knowledge, skills, and values in every student.

Leadership Roles at Saddleback Valley Unified School District

  • Chief Financial Officer - Susan Cortum
  • President - Pamela Klister
  • Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President - Cheryl Coldiron
  • Superintendent - Crystal Turner
  • Susan Cortum - Chief Financial Officer

    Susan Cortum, the Chief Financial Officer at Saddleback Valley Unified School District, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Overseeing complex financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer allocates resources to support classroom instruction and facility maintenance. Susan Cortum monitors revenue streams and expenditure reports to ensure compliance with state education funding regulations. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with district administrators to prioritize spending on essential student services and infrastructure projects. By optimizing financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain long-term educational programs. Cortum maintains transparency in all fiscal reporting, providing the Board of Education with accurate data for informed decision-making. Through meticulous management of the district budget, the Chief Financial Officer protects the financial stability required to deliver high-quality education to the entire student population.

    Pamela Klister - President

    Pamela Klister, the President at Saddleback Valley Unified School District, leads the Board of Education in setting policy and governing district operations. Overseeing board meetings and public discourse, the President facilitates communication between the community and district leadership. Pamela Klister evaluates educational programs and approves strategic initiatives that impact student learning outcomes. This leadership role involves balancing the diverse needs of parents, teachers, and taxpayers to ensure equitable access to quality education. By establishing clear governance protocols, the President maintains accountability and transparency across all district functions. Klister drives the development of policies that support the mission of the district, ensuring that every decision aligns with the core values of the community. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the President shapes the future direction of the district, fostering an environment where academic achievement remains the primary focus.

    Cheryl Coldiron - Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President

    Cheryl Coldiron, the Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President at Saddleback Valley Unified School District, represents the professional interests of educators and advocates for improved working conditions. Overseeing negotiations and labor relations, the Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President ensures that faculty voices influence district policy and classroom standards. Cheryl Coldiron coordinates with district leadership to address professional development needs and instructional support requirements. This leadership role involves mediating concerns between staff and administration to maintain a collaborative and effective teaching environment. By championing the needs of teachers, the Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President directly impacts the quality of instruction provided to students. Coldiron facilitates open dialogue regarding curriculum implementation and resource allocation, ensuring that educators possess the tools necessary for success. Through dedicated advocacy, the Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President strengthens the partnership between the teaching staff and the broader district community.

    Crystal Turner - Superintendent

    Crystal Turner, the Superintendent at Saddleback Valley Unified School District, directs the overarching educational mission and operational standards across the entire district. Overseeing academic programs and administrative policy, the Superintendent ensures alignment with state mandates and local community expectations. Crystal Turner manages the implementation of curriculum initiatives designed to improve student outcomes and classroom engagement. By coordinating with the Board of Education, the Superintendent shapes long-term strategic goals for the district. This leadership role involves maintaining high performance standards for faculty and staff while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Through rigorous oversight of district-wide resources, the Superintendent guarantees that educational environments remain safe and productive. Ultimately, Turner drives the vision for academic success, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support to thrive within the diverse educational landscape of the region.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Saddleback Valley Unified School District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Saddleback Valley Unified School District?
    Saddleback Valley Unified School District is led by Susan Cortum (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Pamela Klister (President) and Cheryl Coldiron (Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President).
    Who is part of Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Saddleback Valley Unified School District includes leaders such as Susan Cortum (Chief Financial Officer), Pamela Klister (President), Cheryl Coldiron (Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Saddleback Valley Unified School District have?
    Saddleback Valley Unified School District has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Saddleback Valley Unified School District includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Valley of the Moon Teacher Association President, Superintendent.