Newsroom

At the May 28, 2026 regular meeting, the Board of Education appointed two new administrators: Christine Alvarado, Coordinator, Data and Assessment Programs and Dr. Anthony Oskar Alvarado, Principal, Rod Kelley Elementary School. 

Christine Alvarado, Coordinator, Data and Assessment Programs

Christine Alvarado joins the Gilroy Unified School District as the Data and Assessments Program Coordinator, bringing a strong background in educational data systems, assessment coordination, fiscal management, and program compliance. She is passionate about using data, technology, and collaboration to drive equitable, student-centered outcomes and support informed decision-making in education.

She will complete her Master of Science in Data Analytics from Southern New Hampshire University in June 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from National University in Manila, Philippines, where she was honored to receive a full scholarship. As the first in her family to graduate from college, that opportunity holds a special place in her heart and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to paying it forward in everything she does.

Christine comes to Gilroy Unified from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where she served as a Senior Administrative Data Technician supporting multiple grant-funded programs through data collection, reporting, fiscal management, and compliance. Prior to that, she served as a Student Information Systems Specialist at Franklin-McKinley School District, where she coordinated state assessments, managed complex datasets, oversaw multiple data platforms, and supported district leadership and site administrators with data reports. Before entering education, she worked as an intercompany accountant and banking administrator at a multinational information and analytics company, where she developed the analytical and organizational foundation that continues to inform her work today.

Outside of work, Christine and her husband share a love of travel and adventure, having visited 25 countries and 19 U.S. states (and counting), with their sights set on more of the world and all 50 states. When she is not traveling, she enjoys exploring new cuisines, singing karaoke, and embracing creative pursuits. She is also a proud cat mom to four cats, each with a personality all their own.

Dr. Anthony Oskar Alvarado, Principal, Rod Kelley Elementary School

Dr. Anthony Oskar Alvarado has been appointed as the new Principal of Rod Kelley Elementary School. He joins Gilroy Unified School District with experience as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, and university instructor. Most recently, he served as Principal of Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE) in the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District, where he led initiatives focused on student achievement, school culture, civic engagement, and STEAM education. Under his leadership, the school earned numerous recognitions, including the 2025 California Civic Learning Award of Excellence and the 2026 YMCA Positive Cultural Identity Award. In recognition of his leadership, Dr. Alvarado was also named the 2025 Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) Empowered Leader of the Year.

Dr. Alvarado began his career in education as a special education paraeducator before becoming an elementary school teacher. He taught first, third, and fifth grade before transitioning into administration. In addition to his work as a school leader, he serves as an adjunct instructor at San José State University, where he teaches future educators in the Teaching Credential and Master's programs. He was recognized as the 2026 ACSA Region 8 Professor of Education of the Year for his contributions to educator preparation and mentorship.

Dr. Alvarado earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from San José State University. He also holds a Master of Arts in Education - Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine and a Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Instruction from San José State University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from National University in Manila, Philippines.

As someone who grew up in an orphanage, Dr. Alvarado carries a deep commitment to supporting students through empathy, connection, and opportunity. He is fluent in Tagalog and conversant in Spanish. He enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, singing karaoke with his wife, and exploring new cultures. He and his wife share a love of travel and have visited 25 countries and 19 U.S. states together. They also enjoy spending time with their four cats at home.

At the May 7, 2026 regular meeting, the Board of Education appointed two new administrators: Nalani Battaglia, Director of Child Nutrition and Estefania Hernandez, Program Administrator for Early Childhood Education. 

Nalani Battaglia, Director of Child Nutrition 

Nalani Battaglia joins the Gilroy Unified School District Child Nutrition Department as Director after 21 years with Sodexo, a trusted partner of GUSD for more than 30 years. She brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to excellence in child nutrition.

 Nalani earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Service Administration from California State University, Chico. She began her career with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where she applied her background in business administration while gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of food service operations. A few years later, she joined Sodexo, working alongside Gilroy Unified School District, where she further applied and expanded her knowledge of child nutrition.

 Nalani and her husband, Chris, live in Gilroy with their two daughters. Their oldest daughter will graduate from CSU Chico next week, and their youngest is completing her first year at Gavilan College. Nalani currently serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Gilroy and is an active member of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, where she enjoys engaging with and volunteering in the community. In her free time, she enjoys watching San Francisco Giants games—especially when they are winning—and taking daily walks to reflect on the day.

Estefania Hernandez, Program Administrator of Early Childhood Education

Estefania Hernandez is a Gilroy native who attended local schools and graduated from Gilroy High School in 2010. She began her career as a bilingual teacher and literacy specialist, and in 2017 joined Gilroy Unified School District as a Dual Immersion and English Language Development teacher at South Valley Middle School, where she served for nine years.

Most recently, Estefania has worked as an Academic Coach for the Elementary and Secondary English Learner Program and as a Fieldwork Supervisor for PK–3 teacher candidates.

Estefania earned her Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from San José State University in 2018. She also completed her Administrative Credential through the Santa Clara County Office of Education in 2025.

In her free time, Estefania enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and trying new food. 

Both Nalani and Estefania begin in their new roles on July 1, 2026.

The Gilroy Federation of Paraeducators (“GFP”) and the Gilroy Unified School District are pleased to announce that we have reached a Tentative Agreement.

The Gilroy Federation of Paraeducators ("GFP") represents District employees who provide essential operational services for the students, staff and community of Gilroy.  GFP members support student learning through servicing students directly in and out of the classroom in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, academic supports; more individualized supports for students with special needs; translation services and occupational therapy.  The mission of servicing the students of Gilroy Unified is woven intricately by the critical work that GFP members provide. 

The major terms of the agreement include increases in salary, increases in contributions to health benefits, summer assistance, personal leave, bereavement, health and safety, and a new article reflecting members serving as Occupational Therapists.  

Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent, Anisha Munshi, is grateful for the ongoing partnership between the District and GFP leadership. "I am thankful for our GFP partners, who create welcoming, safe, and equitable learning environments for our students on a daily basis. Their hard work, commitment to excellence and delivery of high-quality services has a tremendous impact for our school communities."