Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified) is set to enter a new era of leadership with the appointment of Dr. Antonio Castro as Superintendent following the retirement of current Superintendent Dr. Roger Rice.

The formal announcement was released on June 29, 2022 via an email sent to parents of currently enrolled students and a post on the district website. Dr. Castro is set to begin his role effective Aug. 1, 2022 although Dr. Rice’s retirement is set to begin Sept. 3, 2022.

Dr. Castro was chosen by the Ventura Unified Board of Education for his 25 years of dedication to the district. He previously served as a general education teacher, a special education teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, the Director of Special Education and Student Services and the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services. His most recent position was Ventura Unified Assistant Superintendent, a role in which he has served since April of 2021.

In the official announcement, Dr. Castro concluded with, “I am honored to be a part of the Ventura Unified School District and look forward to leading the VUSD’s dynamic staff with the support of our extended community. Ventura is a beautiful area with a rich history, and these deep roots serve as a strong foundation for our future growth.”