Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., who has served the District with distinction for 15 years, will conclude his tenure on June 30, 2025, to become the next superintendent of the Sunnyvale School District in Northern California.
Crosthwaite’s leadership has helped transform Lynwood Unified into a model of equity, innovation and student success – earning him the honor of 2023 Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year. His departure marks the close of a remarkable chapter that expanded opportunities and redefined educational excellence for thousands of Lynwood students and families.
“Serving the Lynwood Unified community has been the greatest honor of my career,” he said. “Together with our Board of Education, staff, families and students, we have built a culture that lifts every voice, values every learner and continually strives for better. I will carry the lessons and love from this community with me always.”
Since joining Lynwood Unified in 2010, Crosthwaite has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including securing a historic $250 million state grant to rebuild the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus, leading efforts that resulted in Districtwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) recognitions, and obtaining a $24.5 million Community Schools grant to expand wraparound services and learning opportunities for students.
Under his tenure, the District has celebrated increased graduation rates, a surge in Advanced Placement participation, multiple Golden Bell Awards and a national reputation for championing equity. His legacy includes implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that have strengthened services for vulnerable student populations and launching signature initiatives like the African American Teen Summit, Girl STEM Conference and Pride Summit. He has also championed staff development while safeguarding the District’s financial stability to ensure continued high-quality education and essential services for students and families.
“Dr. Crosthwaite has led with vision, integrity and a deep commitment to every student, family and staff member in Lynwood,” Board of Education President Julian Del Real-Calleros said. “He has transformed our District and built a culture rooted in empathy, excellence and equity. We are grateful for his leadership and proud of the legacy he leaves behind.”
The Lynwood Unified Board of Education will begin the process of identifying the District’s next superintendent and will share updates with the community in the coming weeks.