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At the March 6, 2025 regular meeting the Board of Education appointed two administrators to new positions in the Gilroy Unified School District: Maritza Salcido as the new Principal of South Valley Middle School, and Alejandro Calderon, Facilities Manager.
Maritza Salcido, Principal, South Valley Middle School
Maritza Salcido began her teaching career in 2001 in Hollister. In 2005, she joined the Gilroy Unified School District as a Spanish Dual Language teacher. During her time as a teacher, Maritza was dedicated to creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment for her diverse group of students.
In 2006, Maritza earned her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from San Jose State University. She was named Teacher of the Year in GUSD in 2012, and the same year, transitioned to South Valley Middle School, where she was a Dual Immersion TOSA and teacher until 2016.
In 2016, Maritza was hired as the principal of Rod Kelley Elementary, and has served in that role until being appointed to her new position. Throughout her career, she has maintained a passion for curriculum development, personal learning, and creating safe, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Maritza deeply values the opportunity to be part of each child's educational journey and is committed to helping all students reach their full potential. Her work continues to be driven by a commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning. She is the proud parent of three daughters who attended Las Animas Elementary, South Valley, and Gilroy High Schools. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, dancing to Taylor Swift songs with her granddaughter, spending time with her daughters, and traveling with her husband.
Alejandro Calderon, Facilities Manager
With over 19 years of experience, Alejandro started his construction journey at the age of 18 as a union labor carpenter and quickly worked his way to leading large scale construction residential projects while serving under general contractors as the lead superintendent.
Alejandro takes great pride in positively reshaping the communities in which people live and work in.
He enjoys spending time with his wife, an engineer in the construction industry who he met on a construction project, and daughter (5), and two-year-old Doberman.
Some of his hobbies include going off-roading, riding motorcycles, and building race cars. He enjoys traveling and enjoys a day or two at Disneyland with his daughter and wife.
The Gilroy Federation of Paraeducators (“GFP”) AFT Local 1921 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, and access to a new state summer savings program for those who qualify.
Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent, Anisha Munshi, is grateful for the ongoing partnership between the District and GFP leadership. "I am thrilled that both District staff and GFP leadership continue to prioritize the education and well-being of GUSD students. GFP members are critical to student achievement and their hard work ensures that we continue to impact students in positive ways."
New terms will be presented to the membership in a general meeting this month and will later be presented to the Board at the March 20th regular meeting.
- press release
On January 16, 2025, the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education adopted a resolution to affirm their support for our students and our intention to abide by the laws set in place to protect students while they are in our care. Resolution #24/25-18 (English/ Spanish) solidifies the commitment of the Board to ensure that all students in the Gilroy Unified School District will be provided a safe environment where they can receive a positive educational experience.
The Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents the District from disclosing or distributing student information with any outside agency without written permission from parents/guardians. Additionally, in accordance with AB 699, the District does not collect or maintain records related to students’ or family members’ citizenship or immigration status during the enrollment process. Furthermore, Board Policy 0141 prohibits unlawful discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin or immigration status.
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For media requests regarding the Gilroy Unified School District and our school communities, please contact Melanie Corona, Public Information Officer.