The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 3-1 to approve the contract of Assistant Superintendent Adam Cano last Monday.
Trustee Lyzette Gonzalez dissented and Trustee Derek Wach abstained. Gonzalez cited her decision due it not being the right fiscal decision for the district.
Cano comes to Newman after spending 17 years at his alma mater, Gustine High School, where he served various roles, including physical education teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and recently as the school’s principal. He is the successor to former district assistant superintendent Jessie Ceja, who’s now the superintendent/principal at Le Grand Union Elementary School District
“My time in Newman-Crows Landing is like I’ve been here for a while,” Cano said. “The board, you know, takes action and has confidence in me to do my job, and that’s what I want to do for Newman-Crows Landing is the best job.”
While his first day was on July 13, Cano’s contract will run from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. However, unless he’s notified by March 1 of each school year, his term is automatically extended for one more year, according to the contract.
Cano will receive all health, welfare and fringe benefits available to certificated management employees. Additionally, there’s a $200 monthly automobile allowance for 12 months to cover transportation and other expenses. His salary was not mentioned in the contract.
Upon learning about the opening for the assistant superintendent position, Cano said he felt that it was “a great opportunity” for him to explore. He acknowledged that Gustine will always have a special place in his heart.
“At times, we just have to look at opportunities that are going to suit us best, and go from there,” Cano said. “It was just a fortunate situation, and I took it. You know, I took the opportunity.”
While some people experience drastic life changes upon starting a new job, moving from one area to another, the most substantial shift for Cano happened in his wardrobe. Having worn red apparel for more than a decade, that all had to be swapped out for purple clothing, which matches the color used across the NCLUSD site, with the new role.
“[I’m] very, very loyal to, you know, this organization. So the red went out and the purple came in,” Cano said jokingly.
While leaving from a previous situation may seem as a tall task, Cano said he has felt welcomed and appreciated by current and former colleagues after taking his new job.
“You know you’re very fortunate to have the people around you that are your friends, your loved ones … that wish you well,” he said.
