Transitions
July 7, 2025
The Liberty Union High School District has announced the appointment of Lynsie Castellano as the new Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Student Services.
Castellano brings nearly two decades of experience in secondary education leadership, including 16 years with Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and the past three years leading the redesign of alternative education for San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered systems. She is deeply passionate about leading districtwide initiatives that drive positive student outcomes. Her commitment lies in ensuring all learners — students and staff alike — have equitable access to the resources and supports they need to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
Throughout her career, Castellano has focused on transforming school systems to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and create innovative pathways for student success. Whether at the district office, high schools, or middle schools, her leadership has included impactful initiatives in restorative practices and alternatives to student suspensions; student discipline reform and equity-driven interventions; comprehensive and alternative school leadership; summer school lead, secondary master schedule trainer, policy development for alternative education; representation on the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s DA Leadership Network.
Castellano’s extensive background in student safety, community outreach, school social work, and student support services makes her uniquely equipped to lead with both heart and strategy. She brings a systems-thinking mindset and a talent for building sustainable, inclusive practices that uplift every learner. Her background in student safety, transfers, community outreach, school social work, and student support services makes her exceptionally well-prepared to lead districtwide efforts aligned with Liberty Union HSD’s mission.
Castellano holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and also American Indian Studies from San Diego State, and a Master of Social Work in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education has appointed Cheryl Cotton as the district’s next superintendent, following a unanimous vote with Trustee Cinthia Hernandez absent vote. Cotton assumed the role on June 20, 2025, under a three-year contract.
Cotton becomes WCCUSD’s 11th permanent superintendent and the first permanent African American woman to hold the role. Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc and Dr. Kim Moses previously served terms as interim superintendent.
Her appointment follows an extensive nationwide search led by Leadership Associates.
Cotton currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education, where she oversees the Instruction, Measurement, and Administration branch. In this capacity, she leads key programs that promote innovation, instructional quality, student assessment, school accountability, and educator support. Her portfolio includes oversight of the Curriculum Framework and Instructional Resources Division, Multilingual Support Division, Professional Learning Support Division, and the State Special Schools and Services Division.
She previously served as CDE’s Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations, and also held leadership positions in human resources in the Albany Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
A proud graduate of WCCUSD schools, Cotton served for 14 years in the district as both a school principal and a human resources director. Her deep roots in the community and decades of education leadership reflect a continued commitment to the students and families of West Contra Costa. Cotton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Arts in Education from Mills College. She resides in the Bay Area with her family.
She succeeds Dr. Kenneth “Chris” Hurst, who announced his retirement in October 2024. Dr. Kim Moses has served as interim superintendent during this transitional period and will return to her permanent role as the Associate Superintendent of Business Services.
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