TUSD Names Connor Drake as New Principal of Heritage Elementary School

The Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) is excited to announce Connor Drake as the new principal of Heritage Elementary School. Mr. Drake will assume his new role on July 1, 2025, pending Board approval on June 9, 2025.

Mr. Drake has been a part of the TUSD Family for the last two years, currently serving as the assistant principal at Hicks Canyon Elementary School.  Prior to joining TUSD, Mr. Drake was a curriculum and instruction administrator, assistant principal and science teacher in the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District.  He brings a long history of achievement throughout his 13 years of experience in public education.

“I’m thrilled to join the Heritage community and to be part of a team so deeply committed and supportive of student growth, innovation, and success,” shared Mr. Drake. “As a former high school science teacher, I’m especially passionate about fostering curiosity through STEAM and project-based learning. I am excited to continue Heritage’s foundation of a school environment where every student feels safe, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Drake to his new role,” stated Superintendent Dr. Mark Johnson.  “He is dedicated to building learning environments where all students achieve and know they belong.  In addition to his passion for student success, his background in science will be a tremendous asset to Heritage’s project-based learning programs.”

Mr. Drake has a master's in Education Administration from Concordia University and a bachelor’s in physics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.