Former ABC Unified Superintendent Mary Sieu Has Died
The pioneering leader, who served Cerritos families for decades, passed away following a long career in public education.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Administration
Dr. Mary Sieu, the first woman and first Asian American to lead the ABC Unified School District, has died. She oversaw local school operations for a decade before retiring in 2022.
Why it matters
Her leadership left a lasting mark on district operations and school facilities throughout Cerritos and Artesia. Sieu was instrumental in securing community support for infrastructure investments that shaped the local learning environment.
Dr. Sieu led the district from 2012 to 2022, securing voter approval for Measure BB to fund facility upgrades. She earned recognition as California Superintendent of the Year in 2017.
The players
Dr. Mary Sieu
The former superintendent who led the ABC Unified School District for a decade and oversaw major facility improvements.
ABC Unified School District
The public school system serving students in Cerritos and Artesia, known for managing local campus infrastructure.
The details
Rising through administrative ranks from 1989 onward, Dr. Sieu served as program coordinator and deputy superintendent before taking the top post. Her tenure focused on district-wide stability and voter-backed infrastructure programs to improve the quality of school buildings for students.
Timeline
Sieu joined the ABC Unified School District in 1989.
Sieu became superintendent in 2012.
Sieu was named California Superintendent of the Year in 2017.
Education Dive named Sieu its 2018 Superintendent of the Year.
Sieu retired as superintendent in August 2022.
The Home Front
Sieu oversaw the district during a decade of growth and voter-approved facility improvements funded by Measure BB. This era of construction and modernization shaped the physical standards for classrooms across the local community.
Residents may see tributes and community memorials regarding Dr. Sieu's service appearing at local district events. Families interested in her impact on facilities can review past school board documentation regarding the implementation of Measure BB projects.
The takeaway
Dr. Mary Sieu leaves behind a legacy of three decades of service, highlighted by her role in securing long-term facility funding for local students. Families can find information on the history of district improvements through the official school board archives.
Further reading
Learn more about local school leadership and policy in Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cerritos Community News.
