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Board names David Zaid superintendent, approves three‑year contract at $398,000
Summary
The Long Beach Unified School District board voted 5–0 to appoint David Zaid as superintendent effective July 1, 2026, and approved a three‑year employment agreement with an annual salary of $398,000 plus longevity and stipends.
The Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint David Zaid as superintendent and approved his employment agreement during a public meeting that included community public comments.
On item 7.1 the board reported that Member Juan Benitez moved and Vice President Eric Miller seconded a motion to appoint David Zaid as superintendent of Long Beach Unified School District effective July 1, 2026; the board announced a 5–0 vote in favor. Later, per Government Code sections 53262 and 54953, the board provided an oral summary of compensation and approved the employment agreement: a three‑year term beginning July 1, 2026, with an annual salary of $398,000 plus longevity and other stipends provided to certificated employees.
"You are absolutely the right person in this moment in time for this district," Member Benitez said in remarks congratulating Zaid and emphasizing the board's expectation that the superintendent focus on equity and improving outcomes for underserved students.
Dr. Jill Baker, the outgoing superintendent, described Zaid's long service in LBUSD and his contributions during the pandemic and to equity initiatives. "David is exceptionally well prepared to lead LBUSD with vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to students," Dr. Baker said as she ceremonially passed the Superintendent Baton to Zaid.
Zaid accepted the appointment and framed his leadership philosophy around listening and collective action. "I stand before you with deep humility, profound gratitude, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Long Beach Unified," he said, and named declining enrollment, fiscal stability and instructional coherence as immediate challenges he expects to address.
The roll call recorded Ayes from Vice President Miller, Member Benitez, President Craighead, Member Otto and Member Lopez. The board announced the district will continue transition work and noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m.
