Dr. Churchill began serving as superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District in 2016. He previously worked in Illinois, serving as chief academic officer for the sixth-largest school district in the state. He also served as an assistant superintendent, high school principal, and high school English teacher. Ben began his 28-year career in education teaching English in China.

Dr. Churchill is passionate about ensuring that each and every student leaves high school with an achievable plan for success in college or trade school, military service, or direct entry to the world of work. During his tenure as superintendent, Carlsbad Unified saw a significant increase in the number of high school students earning college credit through articulated and dual enrollment agreements; expansion of robust and award-winning career pathways opportunities for students; and collaboration with regional EDCs and Chambers to connect students to high-demand, high-wage careers in the San Diego region.

Dr. Churchill’s leadership has been recognized by local, state and national groups. He received the Innovative Superintendent Award from the Classroom of the Future Foundation; was recognized as a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA); and was honored as the 2022 Superintendent of the Year by ACSA Region 18.

Dr. Churchill serves as an advisory member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as a member and past chair of the Classroom of the Future Foundation Board of Directors, as a member of the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section (CIF-SDS) Board of Managers, and as a member and past chair of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) Board of Governors. He currently also serves as ACSA Region 18’s Vice President for Legislative Action, leading legislative advocacy efforts at the regional and state level on behalf of the students and educators in San Diego and Imperial Counties.