Dr. Mendiburu was appointed as Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023. Dr. Mendiburu joined KCSOS in 2019 as Deputy Superintendent and served as KCSOS Associate Superintendent from 2020 to 2023, where he helped lead the day-to-day operations of the Kern County Office of Education.

Prior to joining KCSOS, Dr. Mendiburu worked for over 22 years with the Rosedale School District, the same district he attended as a student. He served as a classroom teacher, Principal of Almondale Elementary School, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, and from 2009 to 2019, as the Superintendent of the Rosedale Union School District.

Dr. Mendiburu earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 2010, an Administrative Masters/Credential and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Bakersfield. He is a graduate of CASBO’s Business Executive Leadership Program and a member of Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) and the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

Dr. Mendiburu serves locally as a member of the board of directors with the California Living Museum and the Kern Economic Development Corporation.

John is the proud son of immigrants who moved to Kern County to live the American Dream. He is married to Shelby, a teacher, and is the proud father of two amazing children.