HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) is pleased to announce Casey Harelson as the next principal of Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), pending board approval, following the retirement of current principal Paul Lopez.

Harelson is a product of the district, having graduated from Marina High School. In 2003, he went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. After a few years working in the private sector for a subsidiary of Kaplan, where he managed tutoring centers, Harelson decided his passion lay in public education and chose to attend UC Irvine in 2010, where he earned his Master’s degree in Education and teaching credentials in English and Spanish.

Having served throughout HBUHSD and as a graduate of the district, Harelson is well prepared to take the helm at Fountain Valley High School. He is no stranger to the Baron community, having begun his career with the district at FVHS as a student teacher. He later transitioned to Huntington Beach High School, where he taught English and Spanish before stepping into the role of assistant principal at Westminster High School in 2016. Harelson returned to Fountain Valley High School in 2023 as an assistant principal, bringing his career full circle. Throughout his ten years of experience as an assistant principal, Harelson has overseen a wide range of areas, including guidance, curriculum, professional development, and Title I programs, equipping him with a breadth of knowledge that will be an asset to the Baron community.

“I am honored to be serving this community as the next principal of Fountain Valley High School,” shared Casey Harelson. “I grew up just a few miles from here, student taught as a Baron, and years later returned as an assistant principal. I could not be happier that my next chapter is serving this remarkable school. FVHS has an established reputation for excellence. We will honor and continue building upon this foundation, providing our students with a world-class high school experience while preparing them for the world ahead. Go Barons!”

Superintendent Dr. Carolee Ogata expressed, “No one could be a better fit than Casey to lead the Barons as Fountain Valley’s new principal. He demonstrates heart and integrity, always focusing on student well-being and success. His experience as a student, teacher, and leader within our district, combined with his intelligence and thoughtful leadership, will be a great strength to all on Fountain Valley’s campus.”

HBUHSD is confident in the future success of Fountain Valley High School under Harelson’s leadership. Students, staff, and the entire Baron community will benefit from his passion for education, collaborative approach, and commitment to student achievement as he builds upon the school’s strong tradition of excellence.