David Zaid

As Superintendent of Schools, David Zaid is committed to ensuring Long Beach Unified remains among the nation’s premier public school Districts while empowering every student to achieve their potential and shape a better future for themselves and their communities. 

David Zaid is a career educator in Long Beach Unified, a proud Poly High School graduate, Long Beach Unified parent, pastor, and community leader whose nearly 32-year career has been devoted to serving the students, families, and educators of the District.

For Mr. Zaid, guiding Long Beach Unified is deeply personal. The District that educated him, shaped his values, nurtured his career, and now serves his own daughters is the very community he is honored to lead. Having served as teacher, principal, Director of Employee Relations, and  Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, he brings a deep understanding of Long Beach Unified, its people, and its commitment to excellence.

His leadership is grounded in the Adinkra symbol Mate Masie: What I hear, I keep. To Mr. Zaid, leadership begins by listening with humility, learning from others, and honoring the voices of students, families, educators, and community members. Throughout his career, he has helped advance many of Long Beach Unified’s most important initiatives, including Vision 2035, the Excellence and Equity Policy, the English Learner Master Plan, student voice initiatives, instructional improvement efforts, educator development, and strategic workforce planning, all of which have been shaped by intentional community engagement.

As superintendent, Mr. Zaid believes that every student deserves to feel a genuine sense of belonging and receive an exceptional education that prepares them to thrive in college, career, and life. His leadership is centered on improving student outcomes, strengthening literacy and academic achievement, expanding opportunities, supporting educators, and ensuring every decision reflects what is best for students.

Mr. Zaid understands that leadership means celebrating opportunity while confronting reality. As Long Beach Unified navigates changing enrollment, fiscal challenges, and rising expectations for student success, he is committed to making thoughtful, transparent decisions that protect what matters most: students. Guided by listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility, he believes the District’s greatest challenges can become its greatest opportunities when the community moves forward together. 

Known for his thoughtful, collaborative leadership style, Mr. Zaid often says, “To get there, we must go together.” That belief reflects his conviction that lasting success is built through partnership, bringing together students, families, educators, staff, labor partners, and the broader community around a shared vision for every child.

Mr. Zaid holds a Master’s in Educational Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Leadership. He and his wife are proud parents of three daughters, two of whom attend Long Beach Unified schools.