Beverly Hills Unified School District Announces Appointment of Dr. Issaic Gates as Executive Directo

The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Issaic Gates as the District’s new Executive Director of Personnel Services.

Dr. Gates is joining BHUSD at a pivotal moment, as the District continues to build on its strong foundation of academic excellence, student-centered innovation, and organizational alignment. His reputation as a collaborative and visionary leader reflects exactly what BHUSD values and needs as it moves into its next chapter.

With more than twenty years of experience in public education, Dr. Gates has served in a wide range of roles, including classroom teacher, school principal, and district executive. This depth of experience gives him a rare and powerful understanding of how to support educators, elevate staff culture, and strengthen the systems that enable students to thrive.

During his tenure as Principal of San Marino High School, Dr. Gates led the school to become the number one academically achieving high school in the State of California for three consecutive years. This accomplishment underscores his belief that success is possible when people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

After serving as principal, Dr. Gates was appointed as an Executive Director in the Inglewood Unified School District, where he developed programs to bring students on college tours, exposing them to post-secondary educational options. Most recently, Dr. Gates served as the Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, where he supported more than 3,500 employees and 24,000 students. His leadership enhanced labor collaboration, expanded professional growth programs, and ensured that personnel systems aligned closely with student success.

“Exceptional schools begin with exceptional people, and Dr. Gates embodies that belief,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “He understands that the heart of a thriving district is the people who serve our students every day. His commitment to recruiting, supporting, and uplifting educators aligns perfectly with BHUSD’s standard of Educational Excellence. Dr. Gates is the right leader at the right time for Beverly Hills Unified, and we are fortunate to welcome him.”

Dr. Gates’ career reflects the belief that every student deserves access to world-class opportunities. Prior to entering school administration, he worked as a group home counselor, a formative experience that shaped his lifelong dedication to compassion, dignity, and care in education.

“I am honored to serve the Beverly Hills Unified School District,” said Dr. Gates. “This is a community that deeply values excellence, possibility, and connection. I look forward to supporting our extraordinary staff and ensuring that BHUSD continues to be a place where every student is known, challenged, and supported.”

Dr. Gates earned his Doctorate in K–12 Leadership from the University of Southern California (USC), a Master’s in Education Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at USC’s Rossier School of Education, mentoring future educational leaders.

Dr. Gates and his wife, Dr. Rasheedah Gates, are dedicated educators and community advocates. They are the proud parents of three children, whose experiences continue to inspire his belief in the power of public schools.

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For Immediate Release 
November 5, 2025 

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile