Mark Balch

Mark Balch is a dedicated educator with 29 years of experience in the field, including 23 years in various administrative positions. His career has focused on promoting student well-being, academic success, and social-emotional growth, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and instructional change. Mark’s leadership style centers on creating environments where students and educators thrive.

Current Role in the Kern High School District

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. Mark’s role in this capacity has allowed him to oversee several programs to support new teachers and migrant students, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources to succeed. His focus on teacher development and student success has positively impacted the district.

Educational Background and Early Career

Mark earned his doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, his master’s in Educational Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and his bachelor’s degree in History from The Master’s College in Newhall. His academic journey has provided a solid foundation for his education leadership. Early in his career, Mark taught at Highland High School and Fruitvale Junior High School, gaining valuable classroom experience before transitioning to administrative roles.

Significant Contributions at KHSD

As Director of New Teacher and Migrant Support, Mark has overseen expanding the Kern High Teacher Residency program, collaborating with CSU Bakersfield. Under his leadership, the program has grown to include 40 teachers and 40 mentors, making it one of the most extensive residency programs in the state. Mark also played a key role in securing full certification for the Kern High Induction Program, which supports new teachers in their professional development.

Mark’s efforts in migrant support have been particularly noteworthy. The district’s Migrant Support program boasts a graduation rate exceeding 98% and serves more than 200 students and their families through biweekly Saturday academies. These initiatives have made a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.

Leadership Experience Before KHSD

Before taking on his current role, Mark G. Balch, Ed.D., served as principal at North High School in Bakersfield, where he developed a career-based pathway program, including one of the state’s first high school aviation programs. Mark worked closely with community leaders to improve educational opportunities for students in a high-poverty area. His efforts included building partnerships with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations, helping to bring about positive changes for the school.

As principal, Mark implemented data-driven decision-making practices, leading to North High School receiving 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 his contributions to education.

Administrative Roles at KHSD

Mark’s career at KHSD includes his time as Instructional Services Director from 2011 to 2015. In this role, he developed district-wide training programs for assistant principals, supported professional development, and worked to align instructional practices across the district. He also focused on increasing the district’s reclassification rate for English Learners, which rose by 12% under his leadership. Additionally, Mark expanded the AVID professional development program, helping to improve student outcomes in several KHSD schools.

Community Involvement and Volunteer Work

Outside of his professional work, Mark has been actively involved in his community for many years. He has volunteered with City Serve Bakersfield, an organization that supports serving as a table leader for the Armor Up men’s ministry. Mark also contributed to the Oildale Community Action Team, working with local agencies to address poverty and crime in the area. His commitment to community service extends to his roles with the Bakersfield Rotary and Lions Club, where he has worked to promote leadership and ethical business practices.

Mark Balch’s career reflects his unwavering dedication to education, student success, and community service. Through his work in the Kern High School District and beyond, he has significantly impacted the lives of students, educators, and the broader community. His leadership and commitment to fostering positive change inspire those around him. Mark remains a driving force in education, always focused on the future and the well-being of the students he serves.