Franklin Elementary School, Santa Ana
Santa Ana native and local Principal Samuel Perla has a passion for the arts. He applied for a grant through Disney Musicals and it was accepted for his school. Last year, students got to put on a musical.
“Many of our kids are diverse backgrounds in regards to learning,” says Perla, who is Franklin Elementary School’s principal. “We have students from special education, students who are English learners … they work together [in the musical]. And they’re working on confidence, being motivated. And then that helps them here at school with school work.”
Perla’s dedication to the arts is one of the reasons he was nominated, and named, as Parenting OC’s Top Leader of 2024.
“Dr. Samuel Perla has been an integral figure in fostering the growth and prominence of arts programs within our school and district, exemplifying exceptional dedication and commitment across multiple spheres of influence,” says Santa Ana Unified School District Arts Program Specialist Lindsey Barfield in her nomination essay. “His contribution extends far beyond the scope of his job description, embodying a passionate advocate for the arts, deeply involved in initiatives that propel our educational landscape forward.”
Perla has worked in education for 24 years. He was an assistant principal for six years and has been a principal for three at Franklin Elementary School in Santa Ana.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for sharing knowledge and helping others learn,” he says. “Watching people grasp new concepts and grow intellectually brings me a unique kind of joy. It’s like witnessing a light-bulb moment when things click into place. Education has the power to transform lives and being part of that process gives me motivation and joy as an educator.”
He says being a principal is like taking the love for education to the next level.
“It’s not just about individual students anymore — it’s about shaping the entire school culture and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and become leaders,” he says. “The thought of being a guiding force, making decisions that impact the whole school community positively and fostering a supportive atmosphere, that’s what pushed me towards the principal role. Overall, being a principal is not about one person, it’s about being a servant-leader and working with a team to create a positive culture for learning.”
He says a typical day for him as principal of Franklin Elementary is having the chance to greet students, parents and staff while answering any questions or concerns. He enjoys visiting classrooms and interacting with students, seeing what they are learning and appreciating the instruction provided by the teachers.
“A typical day at Franklin is always a day when I am visible to everyone,” he says. “I strongly believe that being visible is important as a leader.”
What he loves about his job is watching students succeed and improve academically and socially. As well as “working with individuals who have a heart for our students and making our school environment a great place to learn.”
Perla says arts programs are his passion because they make learning fun and colorful.
“They help all students express themselves, build confidence and learn more than just facts and figures,” he says. “Arts bring people together, celebrate our differences and make the whole school experience more exciting. Plus, they teach important life skills like teamwork and problem-solving. It’s like adding a splash of creativity to the educational mix, making it a richer and more enjoyable journey for everyone.”
He says last year all the students in the school musical showed improvement in their district and state assessments for reading and math.
“I also saw many students who have learning disabilities flourish with confidence in the musical,” he says. “Parents cried with tears and could not believe that their child could perform in a musical. This was a reinforcement that arts is a tool to provide learning success. This to me is success for our students. Every day I strive to create the best environment for our community. I feel that our community deserves the best, which produce positive results academically and socially.”
He says arts programs are a lifeline for English language learners in low socioeconomic areas.
“They offer a creative avenue for language development, bridge cultural gaps and provide an inclusive space where everyone can express themselves,” Perla says. “The arts not only boost confidence, but also create a positive and motivating learning environment. Empowering students, transcending language barriers and fostering a sense of community.”
By Jessica Peralta
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