Long Beach Unified School District has a new leader.<\/p>\n
The Board of Education unanimously approved David Zaid, assistant superintendent of elementary and K-8 schools, as the district\u2019s next superintendent. Zaid will begin leading the school district on July 1.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s commitment to excellence and opportunity for all students, the press release said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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,\u201d Zaid said in a statement. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Zaid will face declining enrollment and financial challenges \u2013 similar to many other school districts across the country.<\/p>\n