Gudiel Crosthwaite

Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite has dedicated nearly 30 years to education, championing equity, mentorship, and student success. Since joining Lynwood Unified School District in 2010 as Director of School Reform, he has driven remarkable improvements, including a 25.3 percentage-point increase in Lynwood High School’s graduation rate and a 23.9 percentage-point increase at Firebaugh High School. In 2017, Lynwood Unified was named AP District of the Year by the College Board—the only district in California to receive this honor. Under his leadership, Lynwood Unified secured $250 million in state funding to rebuild Lynwood High School’s Imperial Campus, achieved district-wide recognition with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) awards, and became one of only three California districts selected as a Community Schools model. Dr. Crosthwaite began his career in 1994 as a teacher and later held administrative roles across all school levels. He earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA, two master’s degrees from Harvard University and California State University, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Crosthwaite serves as Advisory Chair for the League of Innovative Schools and Chair for the Superintendents Executive Advisory Council (SEAC), where he works to shape policies and practices that support educational innovation. As Superintendent, Dr. Crosthwaite continues to lead Lynwood Unified with a vision of equity and excellence, ensuring all students thrive in a supportive, high-achieving environment.