Kern High School District Superintendent Dr. Bryon Schaefer Bids Farewell
Last week’s Kern High Board of Trustees meeting was the first meeting of the year and the final meeting for Superintendent Dr. Bryon Schaefer. Schaefer announced his retirement in September after working in the district for 39 years. Trustees recognized Dr. Schaefer and shared well wishes with him during the meeting.
Dr. Schaefer began his career with the KHSD in 1985 as a math teacher at East Bakersfield High School. In 1991, he moved to Stockdale High to teach the same subject. A year later, Schaefer was appointed to his first administrative position, Dean of Students at North High. Thereafter, he was named North High’s Assistant Principal in 1993.
Dr. Schaefer was promoted to Principal of North High in 1998, the position he held until being named Assistant Superintendent of Business in 2010. In 2011, he became the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel serving in that capacity until becoming the 21st Kern High School Superintendent in 2014.
Dr. Schaefer will officially retire from the district on February 1 and will be succeeded by Dr. Michael Zulfa, who has served as the district’s Associate Superintendent of Business since 2021.
Dr. Schaefer began his career with the KHSD in 1985 as a math teacher at East Bakersfield High School.
“I feel truly blessed and humbled to be chosen to lead this remarkable district. Having devoted my professional life to student success, I expect us to work with district partners to ensure all of our students have the supports they need for future success,” said Zulfa.
Dr. Zulfa is a highly esteemed educator with a remarkable 30 years in education, including a 25-year career with the Kern High School District. He is a proud alumnus of West High School and began his journey in education as a teacher at Garces Memorial High School. In 1999, he continued his passion for education and taught at South High School. Over the years, Dr. Zulfa took on increasingly important roles within the District, including serving as the Dean of Instruction at South High School in 2003 and the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Foothill High School in 2005.
In 2009, Dr. Zulfa’s leadership led him to become the Principal of South High School. His dedication to educational excellence continued, and in 2011, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for the Kern High School District. In 2014, he was appointed Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and, most recently, Associate Superintendent of Business in 2021.
