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.