Saddleback Valley
Unified School District

Parenting OC Magazine’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards are officially underway, and Saddleback Valley Unified School District is once again nominated for Best South Orange County School District. Help bring home the title for the third year in a row by voting now through July 13!

Several SVUSD schools are also finalists in the following categories:

Best Bilingual School
• Ralph A. Gates Elementary School

Best Public High School
• Mission Viejo High School
• Trabuco Hills High School
• El Toro High School

Best Public Elementary School
• Foothill Ranch Elementary School
• Del Cerro Elementary School
• Melinda Heights Elementary School
• De Portola Elementary School
• Trabuco Mesa Elementary School
• Montevideo Elementary School
• Portola Hills Elementary School

Best Virtual School
• SVUSD Virtual Academy

Cast your votes today and show your Saddleback Valley pride!

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District is once again offering free summer lunches for all children 18 years old and younger—no registration, paperwork, or proof of income required. Children must be present to receive a meal.

Lunches will be served Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The program kicks off Monday, June 16, at the El Toro Public Library (24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630) and runs through Friday, August 1.

Please note: no meals will be served on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) has named Yvonne Estling as its next Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, following formal approval by the Board of Education.

With 34 years in public education, Mrs. Estling brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has served as a director and principal in SVUSD and previously held roles such as principal, assistant principal, and Title I resource teacher in Santa Ana Unified School District, as well as a classroom teacher in Santa Maria-Bonita School District. A valued SVUSD leader for the past 19 years, Mrs. Estling currently supports site leaders as Director of Elementary Education through professional development, instructional improvement, leadership recruitment, and more.

“Mrs. Estling is a highly respected educator with a proven track record of visionary leadership, deep dedication, and lasting impact,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner. “Her steadfast commitment to excellence and equity makes her the ideal leader to help move Saddleback Valley forward—ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve academically and flourish socially.”

Prior to her work in educational services, Mrs. Estling served as Principal of Ralph A. Gates Elementary School, one of the district’s largest elementary sites and the proud home of the Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program. During her tenure, she expanded program enrollment, guided the school through federal program monitoring, and implemented systems for English Language Development, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and staff professional development.

Mrs. Estling holds a master’s degree in educational administration and a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. An SVUSD alumna herself, she is also a proud parent—her two sons graduated from Laguna Hills High School, and her daughter will begin her senior year this fall. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband, family, and friends.

“I am excited to continue to serve and support our incredible school communities in this new role,” said Mrs. Estling. “It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, staff, students, and families. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place as we strive to create inclusive, engaging, and high-achieving learning environments here in SVUSD.”

In her new role, Mrs. Estling will continue overseeing the responsibilities of the director of elementary education, allowing the district to consolidate leadership and reduce costs. She will also guide key areas across all grade levels, such as curriculum and instruction, professional development, assessment and accountability, leadership development, and student achievement. Her appointment follows the retirement of Liza Zielasko, who served the district with distinction in the role of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and many others for 28 years. Mrs. Estling’s official start date is July 1, 2025.