Long Beach Unified School District selects next superintendent – Press Telegram

Long Beach Unified School District has a new leader.

The Board of Education unanimously approved David Zaid, assistant superintendent of elementary and K-8 schools, as the district’s next superintendent. Zaid will begin leading the school district on July 1.

LBUSD educates more than 61,000 students in 83 public schools in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon. With a team of more than 10,000 full-time and part-time employees, the school district is the largest employer in Long Beach, according to the school district’s website.

A Poly High School alumnus, Zaid brings 32 years of service to LBUSD. He and his wife, Donica, are the parents of three daughters who have attended Long Beach Unified schools, including one who recently graduated.

He has spent his entire career in LBUSD, working alongside students, families, employees and community partners to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for young people, according to a press release.

Throughout his 32-year tenure in LBUSD, Zaid has served students and schools in a variety of roles, such as teaching, school leadership and district administration. He has led efforts to improve student outcomes, strengthen support systems for schools and communities, and advance the district’s commitment to excellence and opportunity for all students, the press release said.

Zaid has served as director of employee relations, assistant superintendent of human resource services, and, most recently, assistant superintendent of the elementary office, helping lead key district initiatives focused on student achievement, equity, innovation and excellence.

“As I reflect on this moment in Long Beach Unified, I do so with both urgency and deep respect for the foundation built by the transformational leaders who came before us,” Zaid said in a statement. “The work ahead calls for clarity and courage, a willingness to confront the realities before us with honesty, to make disciplined decisions, and to move forward united.”

Zaid will face declining enrollment and financial challenges – similar to many other school districts across the country.

LBUSD is currently facing an operating deficit. In 2024, for the first time, the district had to dip into its reserves to clear up a projected $44 million budget shortfall – caused by declining enrollment, increased cost of living adjustments and the expiration of pandemic-era funding.

As funding decreases, LBUSD’s operational costs continue to increase – and new challenges, including anticipated losses of federal funding, are also building budgetary concerns.

“I pass this responsibility to Mr. Zaid with complete confidence and a deep sense of hope,” Jill Baker, the district’s first woman superintendent, said in a statement. “I have watched his leadership grow, his commitment deepen, and his dedication to students guide his work. Under his leadership, Long Beach Unified will continue to move forward with purpose and courage, and I leave knowing this District is in exceptional hands.”

The district announced Baker’s retirement in January. Baker, who has worked within LBUSD for more than 24 years, has served as the district’s leader since August 2020.

Zaid expressed appreciation to the Board of Education for its trust and thanked Baker for her decades of leadership and service to the LBUSD community.

“Dr. Baker leaves a remarkable legacy of student-centered leadership, innovation, and excellence,” he said in a statement. “I am grateful for her mentorship and for the strong foundation she has helped to build. I also want to thank our employees, families, community partners, and generations of students whose commitment and collaboration have made Long Beach Unified a model for public education. The progress we have achieved belongs to all of us.”

Board President Diana Craighead said the panel is confident Zaid possesses the experience, vision, and leadership needed to guide the district into its next chapter, according to a press release.

“Mr. Zaid is a respected and student-centered leader who understands our schools and our community,” Craighead said in a statement. “The Board is confident in his ability to build on our strong foundation and continue advancing success for all students.”