Salinas Union High School District announces new superintendent.

On Friday, Sept. 13, the Salinas Union High School District announced who will replace Superintendent Dan Burns.  

On Sept. 7, SUHSD board of trustees unanimously selected Zandra Jo Galván, the current superintendent at Greenfield Union School District, to lead the largest school district in Monterey County. 

In May, Burns announced he was stepping down from his position. "After seven years as your superintendent, the time has come for the board of trustees and I to build leadership capacity through the process of picking a successor superintendent," Burns said in a video statement. Burns announced that he and the board are developing a succession plan and he will continue on at the district in an advisory role.

Burns announced his decision was linked to a health diagnosis. “It became very clear that I needed to ensure the long-term stability of the district and pass the baton to a new leader,” he said.

Galván has worked in GUSD since 2017 and has 31 years of experience working in education, 18 of them as a school administrator. 

Galván is a local born in Salinas and was raised in Greenfield. She studied at Hartnell College before transferring to Fresno State were she earned a bachelor's of arts and multi-subject teaching credential. Galván has two masters of arts degrees, one in K-12 curriculum and instruction from CSU Monterey Bay and another in K-12 school administration and administrative credential from San Jose State.

“Together, we will focus on advancing academics, celebrating joy and wellness, and empowering our communities to support one another. I promise to meet you where you are, listen to your needs, and work alongside you as partners to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Together, I know we will achieve great things,” Galván said in a press release. 

“We look forward to the new perspectives and innovative ideas Dr. Galvan will bring to our District while also honoring and maintaining the momentum of the progress that we’ve made in several high-priority areas that we are proud of,”  Tracy Filice, SUHSD board president, said in a statement. 

Galván said she will carry the district’s goals including increasing graduation rates and tertiary education and will prioritize students’ and staff’s social and emotional welfare. 

The board of trustees are scheduled to approve Galván’s contract on Sept. 24. Her starting date hasn’t been determined yet.