Long Beach Unified board appoints David Zaid as superintendent in unanimous vote

The Long Beach Unified School District board voted unanimously to appoint David Zaid as the district—s next superintendent; the appointment was announced after the board returned from a closed session. President Diana Craighead said the appointment on item 7.1 was approved "on a motion made by member Benitez and seconded by vice president Miller" with a 5-0 vote, and that the appointment will commence on July 1, 2026.

President Craighead provided an oral summary required under government code and said the employment agreement is a three-year term starting 07/01/2026 with "an annual salary of $398,000 plus longevity and other stipends provided to certificated employees." The roll-call vote on the employment agreement recorded "aye" votes from Vice President Eric Miller, Member Benitez, President Diana Craighead, Member Doug Otto and Member Maria Isabel Lopez.

Board members lauded Zaid—s experience in LBUSD and pressed a message of high expectations for equity and student outcomes. "You are absolutely the right person to do right by all the children," Member (Dr.) Juan Benitez said. In his remarks, Zaid emphasized listening and partnership: "I stand before you with deep humility, profound gratitude, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Long Beach Unified," he said, and outlined priorities including stabilizing finances, improving instructional coherence and centering equity.

The board—s formal actions recorded in the meeting include the appointment and the approval of an employment agreement; the meeting transcript does not record additional procedural conditions or a separate compensation breakdown beyond the salary and reference to stipends.