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press release: Pittsburg Unified School District Board of Education Names Sonjhia Lowery as New Superintendent

press release: Pittsburg Unified School District Board of Education Names Sonjhia Lowery as New Superintendent

Pittsburg, CA (June 10, 2026) — The Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Sonjhia Lowery as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026.

Ms. Sonjhia Lowery is an accomplished educational leader with more than 31 years of experience serving students, families, and school communities. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including teacher, vice principal, principal, district administrator, assistant superintendent, superintendent and adjunct faculty member. 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 Pittsburg.

The Board received over 30 exceptional applications from across the state and beyond. After careful consideration, the Board selected finalists to interview-each highly qualified and impressive leaders. Ultimately, Ms. Lowery stood out as the right person to guide the district into its next chapter.

While Superintendent of Old Adobe Union School District, Ms. Lowery guided the district through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a strong focus on student learning, staff support, and community engagement. She also served as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Stockton Unified School District, leading districtwide instructional initiatives that strengthened teaching and learning for over 55,000 students across 55 schools and supported more than 2,000 educators.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Lowery served as Director of Learning Support Services in Elk Grove Unified School District, where she established the district’s Office of Educational Equity and led

strategic initiatives designed to improve outcomes for all students. Elk Grove served over 64,000 students across 63 schools. She also serves on several state and national boards focused on educational excellence, leadership development, and equity.

Ms. Lowery has received numerous honors for her contributions to education, including Administrator of the Year from ACSA Region 3 and the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award from the California Association of African American School Administrators. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Educational Management, and is currently completing her Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Innovation at the University of the

Pacific.

Ms. Lowery and her husband, are the proud parents of two daughters, and she remains deeply committed to education, service, and community.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Sonjhia Lowery to her new role as Superintendent of Pittsburg Unified School District.

ONLINE SURVEYS

ONLINE SURVEYS

The Board of Education is asking for your help in selecting our next superintendent. To ensure this is a collaborative and inclusive process, the Board is providing an anonymous online survey and encourages your participation. This is an opportunity to receive input from students, staff, parents, and community. Please follow the link below to provide your input.