Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza to Take Helm at San Diego County Office of Education July 1

San Diego County Board of Education President Alicia Muñoz and Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza

At its May 8 meeting, the San Diego County Board of Education unanimously approved the contract for Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza to begin the job as county superintendent of schools on July 1. She was previously announced as their selection on April 15, and her contract needed to be approved at a public board meeting. With the approval, Ciriza becomes the first female county superintendent in the San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) 76-year history.

Dr. Ciriza joined SDCOE in March 2021 as, and is currently, assistant superintendent of Student Services and Programs, which includes the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, Special Education, Student Support, Student Wellness and School Culture, Whole Child and Community Design, and Outdoor Education departments. 

“I am honored and humbled to lead an organization that makes such an impact in our communities across the county, state, and country,” said Ciriza. “I look forward to continuing our North Star work of decreasing poverty and increasing belonging through public education.”

Dr. Ciriza succeeds Superintendent Dr. Paul Gothold, who is retiring after seven years in the role.

“The board’s 5-0 vote to approve Dr. Ciriza’s contract demonstrates our unified confidence in her knowledge, passion, and ability to lead our organization,” said San Diego County Board of Education President Alicia Muñoz. “We are so grateful to Dr. Gothold for his leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the direction he has positioned our organization, which we look forward to continuing with Dr. Ciriza.”

Dr. Ciriza began her career as a substitute teacher in the National School District, then taught 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th grades in the San Diego and Poway Unified school districts. She later served as an associate principal in the Poway Unified School District and Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). During her tenure as principal, Heritage Elementary School became the highest performing of 47 schools in CVESD.  

She continued her career at CVESD as director of human resources; executive director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and assistant superintendent of instruction. Dr. Ciriza’s instructional leadership work resulted in CVESD being recognized by the Learning Policy Institute for outperforming county and state averages in academic achievement for under-represented student groups such as English learners, African American, and socio-economically disadvantaged students.