March 2025 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO
With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Superintendent Gisselle Herrera has transitioned from the classroom to administration, a change inspired by her predecessor and the work they accomplished. Her primary goal in this new role is to advocate for excellence and equity in education, ensuring that all students receive the opportunities they deserve to succeed.
Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Superintendent Herrera below.
The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Kishimoto
Welcome to The Stories We Must Tell. I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, and today I’m joined by Superintendent Gisselle Herrera from the Tolleson Elementary School District in Arizona. Welcome!
Superintendent Herrera
Thank you, Dr. Kishimoto. It’s an honor to be here, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.
Dr. Kishimoto
I’m so excited to sit down with you! I know how busy you are, and there’s so much amazing work happening at Tolleson Elementary. But first, let’s talk about your recent transition into the superintendency. You’ve been with the district for 17 years, so you’re an internal hire. How’s the transition been?
Superintendent Herrera
Thank you! Yes, I’ve been with the Tolleson Elementary School District for 17 years, and it’s been a joy. We’re a medium-sized district with four schools and 2,800 students. I’ve loved every role I’ve had here, and now in my new role as superintendent, it’s been a smooth transition. I had the privilege of working closely with our former superintendent, Dr. Hightower, to develop a transition plan. I was able to shadow her and learn the systems, which made the shift much easier. We spent months collaborating, so when I officially took over in December, I felt well-prepared. I’m grateful for this unique opportunity.
Dr. Kishimoto
Your transition plan sounds amazing! Having that much lead time and working with the outgoing superintendent is ideal, but not always the reality. Now that you’re in the superintendency, what’s the biggest shift for you day-to-day?
Superintendent Herrera
That’s a great question. It’s hard to describe, but it’s similar to when I transitioned from the classroom to leadership. I thought I knew everything, but then you start seeing things from a new perspective. The intensity of the role hit me especially after January 1st. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also an incredible honor to serve the community. The shift has been both challenging and rewarding.
Dr. Kishimoto
Absolutely. Leading a public school system is much more complex than it often appears. You’ve clearly thought a lot about your priorities for the next year or two. Can you share one or two that are most important to you?
