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The Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointments of three new members of the GUSD management team at the May 18, 2023 regular board meeting.

The first appointment is the new Principal at Rucker Elementary School: Tami Espinosa.  Tami will begin serving as Principal on July 1, 2023.  She is currently a 4th grade teacher at Rucker, and prior to that, was the Principal at Luigi Aprea Elementary School.

Tami started teaching in 1999.  She has been a fourth and fifth grade teacher, a BTSA Coach, Curriculum Specialist, Principal, and Principal Coach.  She has been engaged in education advocacy working with the California Department of Education on the English Language Advisory Committee, and served on the Board of the East Palo Alto Kids Foundation.  

She is currently the Grants Chair for the Latino Family Fund de Gilroy, and President of the Solorsano Parent Club.  She believes deeply in the power of education and is committed to promoting a safe and supportive school environment for all students.

Tami was raised in Gilroy and attended Rucker Elementary School, South Valley Junior High, and Gilroy High School.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Wesleyan University and her teaching credential and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from CSU Fresno.  

Tami has two children: her son attends Rucker Elementary School and her daughter attends Solorsano Middle School.  She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time watching her kids in their various activities.  She is excited to return to administration after several years back in the classroom.

The next appointment is Patty Cattoor as the new Director of Child Nutrition.

Prior to her appointment, Patty served as the Supervisor of Student Nutrition for the Morgan Hill Unified School District for seven years. She assisted with creating complex nutritious recipes while also moving away from the standard "heat and serve'' kitchen model. All sites in MHUSD now use speed scratch or scratch cooking methods when preparing student meals. During her time with MHUSD, Patty was also instrumental in staff professional development and the Freight Farm deployment.

Patty earned her bachelor's degree in Food Management and a minor in business at San Jose State University.

She and her husband have two children and are fostering to adopt. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, pets, and gardening.

 

The third appointment is Matt Peters as the new Network Engineer Supervisor. Matt is a recent graduate of CSUMB with a degree in computer science, Matt brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to our team.

With a passion for technology and a strong foundation in computer science, Matt is poised to excel in his role as a network engineer. His dedication to staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle is reflected not only in his personal life but also in his professional approach. Matt understands the importance of maintaining a robust and secure network infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance for our organization.

Constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow, Matt thrives on expanding his knowledge and skill set. His appetite for learning is insatiable, enabling them to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in network engineering and apply innovative solutions to complex problems.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. Whether it's hitting the gym, going for a run, or exploring outdoor activities, he understands the importance of holistic well-being. This dedication to balance and self-improvement translates into his
professional life, as he brings a focused and disciplined approach to his work.

We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team, confident that his technical expertise, leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth will make a significant impact on our organization. With Matt on board, we are ready to tackle any networking challenge that comes our way and continue to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Superintendent Flores shared, "I am so happy to welcome Tami back to our administrative team and to have Patty and Matt join our District as well to complete the final two open positions on our management team.  I look forward to the innovative ideas and best practices that they will bring to our District."

Tami, Patty and Matt will begin their new positions on July 1, 2023.

Gilroy, CA – The Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Anisha Munshi has been selected as the new Superintendent.  The Board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Munshi’s appointment at the May 18, 2023 regular meeting.  She will begin serving GUSD on July 1, 2023.  She will succeed current GUSD Superintendent Deborah A. Flores, who announced her retirement earlier this year, effective June 30.   

The GUSD Board of Education hired Leadership Associates to conduct an extensive search to identify prospective candidates for the superintendent vacancy.  Leadership Associates gathered input from GUSD administrators and staff, families and community members via in-person and virtual sessions, and an online survey.  This provided critical information in identifying desired qualities in the District’s next superintendent.

GUSD Board President, Linda Piceno said, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Munshi return to Gilroy as our new Superintendent.  She is an innovative leader who is well-versed in the needs of our students and the challenges and opportunities facing our District.”

Dr. Munshi earned her doctorate from San Jose State University.  She holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree, both from National University.  She currently serves as the Associate Superintendent of Professional Learning and Educational Progress Division for the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE).  She has also been the Assistant Superintendent of the Human Resources Division and the Director of Human Resources for SCCOE. 

Dr. Munshi began her career in education with the Gilroy Unified School District, first as an elementary school teacher, and then as an assistant principal at South Valley Middle School and Ascencion Solorsano Middle School.  Before leaving the District for the County Office of Education, she was the principal at South Valley Middle School from 2011-2016.  She also served as a Trustee for the GUSD Board of Education from 2018-2020. 

Her experience with the Gilroy Unified School District, combined with her County Office of Education leadership in educational practices and human resources, uniquely qualifies her for the role of Superintendent.

Dr. Munshi said, “I am honored to return to GUSD.  I am excited to create new relationships with our staff, students and their families, and the Gilroy community.  I am grateful to the Board of Education for placing their trust in my leadership as we educate our students for college, career and beyond.”

Dr. Munshi resides in Gilroy with her husband, and is the mother of two adult daughters, both of whom are graduates of GUSD schools.

The Board of Education will host an open house for the community to meet Superintendent Munshi at the Neon Exchange (7365 Monterey Highway in Gilroy) on Sunday, May 21, from 1:00-3:00 pm.  All are welcome to attend.

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 The Gilroy Unified School District serves almost 11,000 students in 14 schools, including two comprehensive high schools, one early college academy, one continuation high school, three middle schools and seven elementary schools.  With over 1,100 employees, Gilroy Unified School District is the largest employer in the city.

Dear GUSD Staff and Families,

It’s unbelievable to me that it is already May of 2023, and there are just four weeks of school left in this school year.  I’m looking forward to the end-of-year events on our campuses, including: senior awards and graduations, 5th and 8th grade celebrations, the transitions of our students to middle and high school, and the post-graduation plans for the members of the Class of 2023.    

New Superintendent Finalist Announced
I am thrilled to share with you that on May 2, 2023 the GUSD Board of Education announced the finalist for the new GUSD Superintendent: Dr. Anisha Munshi.  Dr. Munshi began her educational career in the Gilroy Unified School District, and she is returning to us after almost seven years at the County Office of Education.  Board approval of her contract is on the May 18 regular meeting agenda, and the Board is hosting a community meet-and-greet on Sunday, May 21, from 1-3 pm, at the Neon Exchange.  Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.  If you are planning to attend the event, please RSVP here.    

These days are bittersweet for me, as I am finishing my career in the community that I have grown to love so much.  I’m excited for this next phase in the District, and I am confident that Dr. Munshi is the right leader for the job, and she will further our mission of providing rigorous instruction to our students to best prepare them for college, career, and beyond.   

End of the School Year and Upcoming Events
We have begun the roller coaster of events that mark the end of the school year, and my calendar is already booked.  Some highlights are listed below.  As a reminder, you can find the instructional calendar for this year, and the next two school years, in Spanish and English online here: https://www.gilroyunified.org/families/instructional-calendar.
 

• May 13—Solorsano Tree Planting event, at ASMS, 9 am-12 pm
• May 16—Gilroy High School Senior Awards, at GHS, 6 pm
• May 17—Christopher High School Senior Awards at CHS, 6 pm
• May 21– Dr. Anisha Munshi Meet and Greet, at the Neon Exchange, 1-3 pm
• May 22—GUSD Retirement Dinner, GHS Student Center, 5-8 pm
• May 25—GECA graduation, Gavilan Theater, 6 pm
• May 31—Adult Ed graduation, GHS, 6 pm
• June 3—Dr. Flores Retirement Open House at Gilroy High School, 11am-1 pm
• June 6—Mt. Madonna High School Graduation, MMHS, 6-7:30 pm
• June 7—Middle School 8th grade celebrations (ASMS: 9 am, Brownell: 11 am, SVMS: 2 pm at GHS)
• June 8—Gilroy High School graduation, GHS, 6 pm
• June 9—last day of school and Christopher High School graduation, 6 pm

Spring School Climate Survey
On May 11, District Office staff sent parents a request to complete a school climate survey via ParentSquare.  The Gilroy Unified School District is committed to having a safe, supportive and welcoming school environment for all of our students, staff and parents.  The District is asking students, staff and parents at each school site to participate in a brief school climate survey in the fall and in the spring.  Thank you to those families who participated in our fall survey in October 2022.  We look forward to your continued partnership. 
Your input is important and will help us improve school climate and culture. The survey is anonymous and should take 5- 10 minutes to complete.  Information provided by survey answers will help school and District staff to set goals and identify areas for improvement for the school year.
 
Please complete one survey on behalf of EACH school your child(ren) attend in the Gilroy Unified School District by May 25.  The links you were sent in ParentSquare are unique to the school your child attends. Thanks to those families who have already completed the survey.
Students in grades 5-12 and staff will also complete a survey.  Please contact the GUSD Ed Services team with any questions: 669-205-4026.

Importance of Regular Attendance
As the weather heats up and summer break draws near, I want to emphasize the importance of attending school regularly for the last four weeks of the year.  Research shows that regular school attendance is a bigger predictor of high school graduation than are test scores, and first graders with nine or more absences are two times more likely to drop out of high school. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s (DA's) Office recently released a video highlighting the importance of regular school attendance.  You can watch it here in English or Spanish.  Please help the students in your life finish the 2022-23 school year on a positive note, at school, on time, and ready to learn.  For more information, visit the DA’s website.
 
Solor Panel Installation at GUSD Schools
Installation of solar panels at two of our elementary schools, Glen View and Rod Kelley, began on May 8.  Solorsano Middle, Eliot Elementary, Luigi Aprea Elementary and El Roble Elementary will have solar panels installed over the summer break, with anticipated completion of all the projects before the school year starts.  Solar panels already exist at Gilroy High, Christopher High and Brownell Middle School.  One of our goals is to pursue solar panel installation at all 14 of our school sites in the future, and we are well on our way to meeting that challenge. 
 
GUSD Transportation Issues
The nation-wide school bus driver shortage is having an impact on school districts everywhere.  We certainly have not escaped the impacts as we are short 11 bus drivers and have had to contract out some of our transportation.  Unfortunately, recently we have had to cancel some routes when drivers were absent.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused families but it could not be avoided.  We are rotating the routes that are canceled so that the same students are not impacted.  We are recruiting for drivers all the time.  If you or someone you know is interested, please share this link with them https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1745707.

Garlic City High School Spring Art Show
You are invited to attend the Garlic City High School Spring Art Show at 6th Street Studios and Art Center in Downtown Gilroy (64 W. Sixth Street), on Friday, May 19.  Student artwork will be displayed as part of the Third Friday Night Art Walk in Downtown Gilroy.  Art students from Christopher High, Gilroy High and Mt. Madonna High Schools are featured in the show, and 6th Street Studios will host a reception from 5-8 pm.  Drinks and snacks are provided.    

Santa Clara County Library Summer Reading Program
Once again, the Santa Clara County Library District is holding their annual summer reading program from June 1-July 31.  Students and families can preregister for the program between May 1-31, and start logging reading and activities on June 1.  Participants can earn a prize for reading five books and completing one summer activity. The libraries in Santa Clara County, including the Gilroy Library, host an ongoing event calendar during the summer for people of all ages.  All events are free!   To register, and learn more, visit the Santa Clara County Library District website.  Support your student’s learning this summer while encouraging them to read!

Dr. Flores’ Retirement Celebration
I would love to have you join me and members of the Gilroy community at my Retirement Open House, Saturday, June 3, in the Gilroy High School Student Center.  The event is a drop-in visit, between 11 am-1 pm.  All are invited as we celebrate my time in GUSD over the last 16 years.  Light refreshments will be provided, and prepared by the Gilroy High Culinary Arts students, and the day will feature a performance by the Gilroy High School Choir. I am pleased to share with you that the Board of Education has voted to rename the Student Center at Gilroy High in my honor.  You can join us for a short program, at 11:30 am, on Saturday, June 3, as the new signage is unveiled.  No RSVP is required to attend, but if you’re available, please do come and say good-bye. 

I’m savoring every moment of these “lasts” for me.  I am grateful to the Gilroy community for being so supportive of me as I embark on my next adventure.  I hope you are able to take some time during the busyness of this season to enjoy the reasons for our celebrations: our students.  I know I will do the same.

Take care of each other,
Dr. Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Gilroy Unified School District