Dr. Richard Carranza

During Dr. Carranza’s nearly 30 years in education, he has served in virtually every role. Prior to New York City, he was the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, and the seventh largest in the United States. Before that, he served the San Francisco Unified School District, first as deputy superintendent and then as superintendent. Before moving to San Francisco, Carranza was the Northwest Region superintendent for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. He began his career as a high school, bilingual social studies and music teacher, and then as a principal, both in Tucson, Arizona. A son of a sheet metal worker and a hairdresser—and a grandson of Mexican immigrants— Dr. Carranza credits his public-school education for putting him on a path to college and a successful career.