Jose Gastelum
Jose Gastelum has been a dedicated leader in the Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD) since 1997, beginning his career as a Spanish teacher. Over the years, he has taken on various leadership roles, including Director of Secondary Schools, Principal, and Assistant Principal, and Chief Student Services Officer, a role that equipped him with the experience and vision to step into the position of Superintendent in 2022.
A proud alumnus of the Sunnyside community, Mr. Gastelum earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. His leadership is rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and creating opportunities for post-secondary success for all students.
Under his guidance, SUSD has strengthened its dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to earn college credit at no cost. This initiative empowers students to begin their higher education journey while still in high school, removing financial barriers and paving the way for their success in college and beyond. In addition, his leadership has been instrumental in securing critical investments in the district’s future, including the successful passage of Propositions 498 and 499 in 2023 and Proposition 416 in 2025. These voter-approved measures are enabling the district to enhance safety and security, modernize aging facilities, and expand learning environments to better serve students and staff.
Mr. Gastelum is recognized for his thought leadership at the national level, having presented at the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS) Conference and several other educational conferences across the country. His advocacy extends beyond the K–12 experience, championing post-secondary education and collaborating with institutions to ensure students are equipped with the resources and skills needed to thrive in higher education.
For his significant contributions to education, Mr. Gastelum was honored with the Educational Diversity Award by the Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation, which is dedicated to improving conditions in underserved communities throughout Arizona. He also serves on the Board of Directors of AZALAS, working to promote excellence and equity in education, and was named Commissioner for Public School Superintendents by the Metropolitan Education Commission.
As a leader who values both community and innovation, Mr. Gastelum remains committed to ensuring all students in the Sunnyside Unified School District have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
