It is with both admiration and gratitude that we announce Superintendent Brian Capistran’s upcoming retirement in June 2025, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 30-year career with the Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD). Mr. Capistran’s legacy is one of unparalleled dedication, exceptional leadership, and a steadfast commitment to public education.

Over the past three decades, Superintendent Capistran has made lasting contributions to GUHSD, beginning his journey as a Spanish teacher and coach at Sunnyslope High School. He later moved into administration as an assistant principal at Sunnyslope before moving to Apollo High School, where he served as assistant principal and eventually became the school’s principal. His career has included a series of pivotal leadership roles, such as school safety administrator, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. In 2015, he ascended to the role of superintendent, where he has provided visionary leadership for the past ten years.

Superintendent Capistran’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones for the district. Most recently, he led GUHSD and all of its comprehensive high schools to receive “A” ratings from the Arizona Department of Education, a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. His focus on results, collaboration, and high standards has ensured that GUHSD remains one of Arizona’s top-performing districts.

Beyond his work within the district, Superintendent Capistran has been a prominent figure in the broader educational community. He has served on numerous local and state committees, commissions, and boards, advocating for public education in Phoenix, Glendale, and across Arizona. His service includes leadership roles with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Business and Education Coalition, and the Arizona School Administrators (ASA), where he was the President of the Superintendents Division, and currently serves as President of the entire organization.

Nationally, Superintendent Capistran’s expertise and leadership have been recognized through his term on the Board of Directors for AASA/The School Superintendents Association. His many accolades include the prestigious ASA All Arizona Superintendent award for a large school district, a reflection of his outstanding leadership and exemplary contributions to education.

As Superintendent Capistran prepares for his next chapter, he has expressed profound gratitude for his time in GUHSD and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead for the district and himself. The Governing Board will soon determine the process for selecting GUHSD’s next superintendent, who will begin serving in the role on July 1, 2025. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Superintendent Capistran for his exceptional leadership, service, and dedication. His countless contributions have strengthened GUHSD and have positively impacted the lives of students, families, and staff across our community.