Former Gahr principal Gina Zietlow named ABC superintendent

CERRITOS – After a nationwide search, the ABC Unified School District Board of Education has selected Dr. Gina Zietlow as its next superintendent, pending formal board approval May 2.

Zietlow replaces Dr. Mary Sieu, who retired last August after serving in the role for over a decade. 

Toan Nguyen, deputy superintendent and chief financial officer, has been the interim superintendent since Sieu’s retirement. 

“After interviewing several candidates, Dr. Zietlow’s passion for students and this school district stood out,” said ABCUSD Board President Brad Beach. “She is a lifelong educator who has spent nearly three decades working for ABC as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and leader.”

Zietlow earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Biola University, a Master of Arts in Instruction from Biola University, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. 

She was an English teacher, cheer advisor, and activities director before becoming the assistant principal and then principal at Gahr High School, where she was named the Secondary Principal of the Year in California by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the State Secondary Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), and the ACSA Region 14 Secondary Principal of the Year. 

She has spent the past seven years in Human Resources, with the last six years as assistant superintendent.

“I want to thank the Board for their confidence and support,” said Zietlow. “I’ve spent my entire career working to ensure all students succeed, which will continue to be my guiding principle as superintendent. I also want to thank Mr. Nguyen for his time and significant contributions while serving as interim superintendent.”

Zietlow will begin in her new role as superintendent on May 15, pending board approval.