Superintendent's Profile

Dr. Churchill is passionate about ensuring that each and every student leaves high school with an achievable plan for success in college or trade school, military service, or direct entry to the world of work. Previous to joining Poway Unified School District, Dr. Churchill served as superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District for eight years. During his tenure in Carlsbad, Dr. Churchill’s team saw a significant increase in the number of high school students earning college credit through articulated and dual enrollment agreements; expansion of robust and award-winning career pathways opportunities for students; and collaboration with regional EDCs and Chambers to connect students to high-demand, high-wage careers in the San Diego region. 

Other highlights of Dr. Churchill's tenure in north county include recognition of Carlsbad as a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation; district awards from the California School Boards Association (Golden Bell Awards), the California Department of Education (Green Ribbon Schools Awards and California Distinguished Schools Awards), and the US Department of Education (National Blue Ribbon School Awards and National Green Ribbon School Awards); and recognition of the district as a California Pivotal Practice Award Program winner for innovative practices.

Driven by a commitment to student success, Dr. Churchill’s transformative leadership and innovative vision have been recognized by local, state and national groups. He received the Innovative Superintendent Award from the Classroom of the Future Foundation; was recognized as a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA); and was honored as the Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 18.

Dr. Churchill has served as an advisory member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as a member and past chair of the Classroom of the Future Foundation Board of Directors, as a member of the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section (CIF-SDS) Board of Managers, and as a member and past chair of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) Board of Governors. He currently serves as ACSA Region 18’s Vice President for Legislative Action, leading legislative advocacy efforts at the regional and state level on behalf of the students and educators in San Diego and Imperial Counties.  

Dr. Churchill earned a doctorate degree in education administration from Argosy University, a master’s degree in school leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in teaching and learning from DePaul University, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Valparaiso University.