Gloria E. Cillizza will officially become San Diego County's next superintendent on July 1, following approval by the county Board of Education.
The board unanimously approved Cilliza late Wednesday night. She had previously been announced as a board selection on April 15, but her contract had to be approved at a public board meeting.
Cillizza will be the first female county superintendent in the 76-year history of the San Diego County Department of Education.
Mr. Cilliza currently serves as SDCOE's Associate Director of Student Services and Programs, which includes Juvenile Court and Community Schools, Special Education, Student Support, Student Wellness and School Culture, Whole Child and Community Design, and Outdoor Education. The department said in a statement from the office. she said.
She joined SDCOE in March 2021 to advance SDCOE's North Star goal of reducing poverty through public education, the department said.
“I am honored and humbled to lead an organization that has such an impact on communities across our county, state and nation,” Cillizza said. “I look forward to continuing Northstar’s commitment to reducing poverty and increasing a sense of belonging through public education.”
Cilliza will replace Superintendent Dr. Paul Gotold, who is retiring after a seven-year term.
“The Board's 5-0 vote to approve Dr. Cilliza's contract demonstrates our unified confidence in her knowledge, passion, and ability to lead our organization,” said San Diego County Board of Education Chair Alicia Muñoz. “There is,” he said. “We are extremely grateful for Dr. Gottold's leadership and direction for our organization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and look forward to continuing that with Dr. Cilliza. I’m looking forward to it.”
According to county officials, Cillizza began her career as a substitute teacher in the National School District and later taught third, fourth, fifth and seventh grades in the San Diego and Poway school districts.
She later served as assistant principal for Poway Elementary School District and Chula Vista Elementary School District. During her time as principal, Heritage Elementary School became the highest performing school of her 47 schools in CVESD.
Cilliza continued her career at CVESD as the Director of Human Resources. Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. and assistant instructor.
The California Association of School Administrators named her the 2018 Administrator of the Year for Curriculum and Instruction, and the California Bilingual Educators Association named her Administrator of the Year in 2010.
She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Slippery Rock University, a master's degree in educational administration from National University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State University.
In addition to being responsible for SDCOE programs and services, the superintendent is responsible for approving the district budget, calling district elections, and assisting with district emergencies.