PRESS RELEASE
Castro Valley Unified School District
4400 Alma Avenue
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510.537.3000
Castro Valley Unified School District
Board of Education Names
Dr. Nia Rashidchi as New Superintendent
Castro Valley, CA (May 21, 2025) — The Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Nia Rashidchi as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Rashidchi brings over 30 years of experience in public education and a strong record of leadership in advancing equity, instructional excellence, and student-centered outcomes. Her appointment follows an extensive and inclusive search process conducted in partnership with Leadership Associates, shaped by input from students, families, staff, and community members across Castro Valley. Leadership Associates facilitated 23 community input sessions and collected 672 survey responses from the Castro Valley community. This strong level of engagement provided the Board with meaningful insight into the community’s priorities, perspectives, and concerns.
The Board received 29 exceptional applications from across the state and beyond. After careful consideration, the Board selected finalists for interviews—each highly qualified and impressive leaders. Ultimately, Dr. Rashidchi stood out as the right person to guide our district into its next chapter.
Dr. Rashidchi brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to educational equity, and a passion for student success. She has already made a meaningful impact in Castro Valley, and we are confident she will continue to lead with vision, compassion, and excellence.
Dr. Rashidchi currently serves as CVUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a position she has held for the past two years, following five years as Director of Educational Services. In these roles, she has led district-wide efforts to strengthen academic systems, promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and elevate student achievement. Her earlier experience includes work as a classroom teacher, site principal, district coordinator, executive director, and both Assistant and Associate Superintendent in other California school districts.
Dr. Rashidchi holds a BA in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from the University of the Pacific, an MS in Educational Leadership from San José State University, and an EdD in Leadership for Social Justice from Cal State East Bay.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next superintendent of Castro Valley Unified,” said Dr. Rashidchi. “This community’s dedication to student success and equity is inspiring, and I look forward to continuing our shared work in partnership with our students, staff, families, and the broader community.”
This appointment also marks a moment of reflection and gratitude. The Board extends its deepest appreciation to Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi, who will retire at the end of June after a decade of visionary leadership and dedicated service. Her contributions have profoundly shaped the district and will continue to benefit students and staff for years to come.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nia Rashidchi to her new role and in thanking Ms. Parvin Ahmadi for her extraordinary leadership and service to the Castro Valley community.
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