Libia S. Gil, Ph.D.
Libia S. Gil joined AIR in 2004 when it merged with New American Schools, where she served as Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Gil provides senior counsel on leadership development initiatives and assists states and districts in developing strategies for improving student achievement by bridging research evidence with practice evidence.
Dr. Gil was Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District for over nine years. Under her leadership, which began in 1993, the District experienced continuous growth and it is currently serving more than 27,000 students in 43 schools.
Dr. Gil fostered the successful implementation of numerous school change models, including six charter schools and partnerships with Edison Schools Inc., School Futures Research Foundation, Accelerated Schools, Comer, MicroSociety, Standards-Based Instruction, and the Ball Foundation. Student academic performance and customer satisfaction survey results showed increasing gains. In 1998, the community passed a $95 million school bond with a 76 percent voters' approval to support modernization of learning environments. Standard and Poor's has continued to give the district an A+ rating to reflect efficient district management with the lowest centralized administrative costs in the county.
In addition to multiple awards and honors, Dr. Gil received the 2002 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education for her outstanding leadership as Chula Vista Superintendent. The McGraw Prize is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional contribution to the improvement of education systems. Dr. Gil is recognized for her work in redesigning central office roles and functions to serve and support teaching and learning in the classrooms. Accountability systems and performance standards were key vehicles institutionalized to increase student and adult learning outcomes.
Dr. Gil began her teaching career in the Los Angeles Unified School District and has taught in various programs, including English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education and Gifted and Talented programs. As a teacher, she and her colleagues created a successful K-12 alternative school and numerous alternative classroom programs. She has held a variety of administrative positions including school principal and Area Administrator, supervising K-12 principals, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Gil has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis on bilingual and multicultural education from the University of Washington.