Benicia Names Chris Calabrese New Superintendent, Takes Office Sept. 17
BREAKING NEWS: The Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) has just announced the appointment of longtime educator Chris Calabrese as its new superintendent, effective September 17. This unanimous decision by the board was made last Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for the district as it seeks to strengthen its leadership and community ties.
Calabrese, who brings over 31 years of educational experience to the role, expressed his commitment to an open-door policy, stating, “I want to learn the heartbeat of our district.” He plans to implement a hands-on approach during his first 100 days in office, aiming to connect with students, parents, and staff across the district.
“I want to meet people where they’re at,” Calabrese emphasized, highlighting his intention to engage with everyone from teachers to groundskeepers. He has already participated in several back-to-school events and is set to attend the Back to School Night at Benicia Middle School on Thursday, September 21, further demonstrating his dedication to community involvement.
Calabrese’s extensive background includes roles as an educator, principal, and most recently, assistant superintendent of Human Resources at Brentwood Union School District. His diverse experience is viewed favorably by the BUSD Board, with Board President CeCe Grubbs mentioning that his comprehensive perspective positions him as a perfect fit for the district’s growth.
The decision to appoint Calabrese follows the departure of former Superintendent Damon Wright, who took a position at Santa Clara Unified School District earlier this year. After a thorough search process that began in late spring, Calabrese emerged as the top candidate, garnering positive feedback from former students and community members alike.
To formally welcome Calabrese, BUSD will host an official meet-and-greet on September 23 in the BUSD Boardroom from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. This event will provide an opportunity for the community to engage with their new superintendent and discuss his vision for the district.
With this new leadership, BUSD is poised for exciting developments, as Calabrese aims to build upon the strong foundations already in place. As he transitions into this critical role, community members are eager to see the impact of his leadership in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Benicia embarks on this new chapter under Chris Calabrese’s guidance.
