David Zaid Selected As New Superintendent of Long Beach Unified

LONG BEACH, CA—The Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education approved the selection of David Zaid as the District’s next superintendent. Mr. Zaid will begin on July 1 and lead the District into its next era of excellence. 

A proud Long Beach Polytechnic alumnus, Mr. Zaid brings 32 years of service to Long Beach Unified. He and his wife, Donica, are the parents of three daughters who have attended Long Beach Unified Schools, including one who recently graduated.  Mr. Zaid has spent his entire 32-year career in Long Beach Unified, working alongside students, families, employees, and community partners to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for young people. Over the course of his career, he has served as Director of Employee Relations, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services, and, most recently, Assistant Superintendent, 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. 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,” Mr. Zaid said.

He expressed appreciation to the Board of Education for its trust and thanked Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker for her decades of leadership and service to the Long Beach Unified community.

“Dr. Baker leaves a remarkable legacy of student-centered leadership, innovation, and excellence,” Mr. Zaid said. “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.”

“I pass this responsibility to Mr. Zaid with complete confidence and a deep sense of hope,” Dr. Jill Baker said. “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.”

Board President Diana Craighead said the Board is confident Mr. Zaid possesses the experience, vision, and leadership needed to guide the District into its next chapter.

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

Throughout his 32-year tenure in Long Beach Unified, Mr. Zaid has served students and schools in a variety of roles spanning 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.