Transitions
June 23, 2025
The Sunnyvale School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite as its new superintendent, effective July 1, 2025.
Crosthwaite will join SSD after Superintendent Dr. Michael Gallagher retires in June. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Crosthwaite joins SSD from Lynwood Unified School District where he currently serves as superintendent.
Crosthwaite’s leadership has helped transform Lynwood Unified into a model of equity, innovation and student success — earning him the honor of 2023 Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year. His departure marks the close of a remarkable chapter that expanded opportunities and redefined educational excellence for thousands of Lynwood students and families.
Since joining Lynwood Unified in 2010, Crosthwaite has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including securing a historic $250 million state grant to rebuild the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus, leading efforts that resulted in districtwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports recognitions, and obtaining a $24.5 million Community Schools grant to expand wraparound services and learning opportunities for students.
Under his tenure, the district has celebrated increased graduation rates, a surge in Advanced Placement participation, multiple Golden Bell Awards and a national reputation for championing equity. His legacy includes implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that have strengthened services for vulnerable student populations and launching signature initiatives like the African American Teen Summit, Girl STEM Conference and Pride Summit. He has also championed staff development while safeguarding the district’s financial stability to ensure continued high-quality education and essential services for students and families.
The Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Nia Rashidchi as the next superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2025.
Rashidchi brings over 30 years of experience in public education and a strong record of leadership in advancing equity, instructional excellence, and student-centered outcomes. Her appointment follows an extensive and inclusive search process conducted in partnership with Leadership Associates, shaped by input from students, families, staff and community members across Castro Valley.
Rashidchi brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to educational equity, and a passion for student success. She has already made a meaningful impact in Castro Valley, and will continue to lead with vision, compassion and excellence.
Rashidchi currently serves as CVUSD’s assistant superintendent of Educational Services, a position she has held for the past two years, following five years as director of Educational Services. In these roles, she has led districtwide efforts to strengthen academic systems, promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and elevate student achievement. Her earlier experience includes work as a classroom teacher, site principal, district coordinator, executive director, and both assistant and associate superintendent in other California districts.
Rashidchi holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from the University of the Pacific, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from San José State University, and an Ed.D. in Leadership for Social Justice from Cal State East Bay.
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