Meet the Superintendent

Dr. Crosthwaite brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, most recently serving as Superintendent of Lynwood Unified School District. Since joining Lynwood Unified in 2010 as Director of School Reform, his collaborative leadership has been pivotal in the district's achievements. These include significant increases in graduation rates and a surge in participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, culminating in Lynwood Unified being named a 2017 AP District of the Year by the College Board—a distinction received by only three districts nationwide.

Dr. Crosthwaite's advocacy extends to crucial community victories. In 2022, he spearheaded the effort to secure $250 million in state funding for the rebuilding of Lynwood High School's Imperial Campus. His guidance also led to every Lynwood Unified school receiving Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) awards in 2022, recognizing their outstanding efforts in fostering positive and engaging learning environments for all students.

A proven collaborator, Dr. Crosthwaite is deeply involved in both statewide and national educational initiatives. He is a member of the League of Innovative Schools, the Rise Up Coalition, Edloc, and the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering. He also dedicates his time to serving on the Board of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation.

Dr. Crosthwaite's extensive educational journey began in 1994 as an eighth-grade teacher, and he later taught high school English and English Language Development. He then transitioned into administration, serving at all levels—elementary, middle, and high school. Academically, he holds an undergraduate degree from UCLA, two master's degrees from California State University, Los Angeles, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University.

Dr. Crosthwaite is married and a proud parent of two college-aged students. One is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and the other is working toward a master’s degree in education.

In his free time, he enjoys taking walks, reading fiction and books on leadership, spending time outdoors in nature, and being near water, whether it’s at the beach, river, or lake.  He also loves to travel, cook, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and spend quality time with family.

He is deeply passionate about helping others and working toward a more just and equitable society. That passion carries into both his personal and professional life, and he is always looking for ways to build community, foster understanding, and make a positive impact.