Gwinnett County officially appoints Dr. Alexandra Estrella as new superintendent

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County Board of Education has officially appointed Dr. Alexandra Estrella as the next superintendent for the largest school district in Georgia.

Dr. Estrella will begin serving in July, a release from Gwinnett County Public Schools said. A series of meetings with each Board District will be held from April 24-30 where students, staff and the community will have the chance to meet her.

She’d been named the sole finalist in the search for a district leader earlier this month. She was identified from her current position, as superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut, in a nationwide search. That included a months-long process that included surveys, focus groups and community listening sessions with students, families, educators and community partners across the county.

“This unanimous decision reflects a commitment to strong leadership, stability, and student success across GCPS for all students. As a Board, we look forward to working together with Dr. Estrella to continue supporting the success of our students, families, staff, and community,” a Board of Education statement said Wednesday.

Dr. Estrella has more than 26 years of experience in education, with previous leadership roles in the New York City Department of Education, including as superintendent of Community School District Four in East Harlem.

In a prior statement, Dr. Estrella said she was honored to be named the finalist and looked forward to working with the Gwinnett community to support students and educators:

“I’m honored to be considered the sole finalist for this esteemed position and to join a community so deeply committed to investing today for a better tomorrow. I strongly believe that when we focus on developing our people, including our educators, leaders, and staff, we create the conditions needed to effectively support every student. By thinking systemically, analyzing data to guide our decisions, and continuing to invest in meaningful professional development, we can expand the many opportunities already underway to help students and staff grow and succeed. Just as important, I look forward to keeping our community informed and actively involved in the decision-making process so that together we can continue building on the progress of Gwinnett schools and add even greater value to this outstanding organization.”

Board Chair Dr. Tarece Johnson Morgan said this month Dr. Estrella stood out among candidates for her experience leading large school systems and improving student outcomes in a statement:

“Gwinnett County Public Schools is a remarkable district filled with talented students, dedicated educators, and a community that believes in the power of education. Throughout this process, the Board sought a leader whose intelligence, effectiveness, and vision match the scale and promise of this district. Dr. Estrella is a brilliant educator and an experienced superintendent who understands how to lead complex systems with clarity and purpose. Her data-centered leadership reflects the values we hold deeply in Gwinnett, including empathy, excellence, equity, and effectiveness. Her intellect, integrity, courage, and commitment to students position her to help lead Gwinnett County Public Schools forward so every child is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

The board this month also thanked Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor for leading the district during the transition. Taylor began serving as the interim after Dr. Calvin Watts was voted out by the school board last year.