Dr. Cheryl P. Hildreth is the Superintendent of Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento, leading the district’s work to close opportunity and achievement gaps through a sustained focus on equity, excellence, and empowerment for every student. Appointed by the Board of Education in 2021 following a national search, she brings more than three decades of experience as a teacher, school and district leader, and equity-focused advocate for historically marginalized students.
Before joining WUSD, Dr. Hildreth served as a senior leader in the Los Angeles Unified School District, including eight years as a Local District Superintendent supporting over 150 TK–12 schools and leading districtwide equity initiatives. Her career includes service as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal at the middle and high school levels, middle school principal, director of secondary schools, and instructional area superintendent.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hildreth has championed instructional excellence and culturally responsive leadership to ensure all students graduate prepared for college, career, and life. She is deeply committed to building the capacity of school leaders, cultivating positive school cultures, eliminating systemic inequities, and expanding access and opportunities for students in underserved communities.
Beyond the district, Dr. Hildreth contributes to statewide efforts to advance educational equity, including service on the Black Student Achievement committee formed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the Superintendents Advisory Council for the California School Boards Association. A proud graduate of Los Angeles public schools, she holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, an M.A. in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a B.A. in Public Relations from Howard University.
