Livermore’s school district superintendent announced last week that he would retire from his position in June, which means the school board will need to move quickly to find his replacement before the coming school year.
Chris Van Schaack, who was appointed to the role leading the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District two years ago when Kelly Bowers retired, leaves with 37 years in education under his belt, including 30 with the LVJUSD.
“I’ll forever cherish the 30 years I’ve spent working alongside so many amazing educators and simply, good people,” Van Schaack said. “They have been a second family for nearly all my adult life.”
Van Schaack first began his career with LVJUSD in 1994 as a high school teacher and baseball coach before stepping into leadership roles as a principal and director of student services and special education. He became an assistant superintendent of administrative services in 2011 and deputy superintendent in 2017.
A news release from the district described his leadership as instrumental in helping the district achieve academic growth and expand inclusive programs.
Board President Emily Prusso said Van Schaack has been an integral part of the district.
“He has navigated us through so much, including challenges like the pandemic and state budget shortfalls and has put us on a great path for continued success,” said Prusso. “We will greatly miss his wisdom and steady leadership but respect and support his desire to enjoy other aspects of his life in retirement.”
LVJUSD Board Clerk Kristie Wang said Van Schaack took a data-driven approach to decision making and led the district with a clear, steady hand.
Reflecting on his tenure, Van Schaack expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Livermore community.
“I’ll forever cherish the 30 years I’ve spent working alongside so many amazing educators and simply, good people. They have been a second family for nearly all my adult life.” Superintendent Chris Van Schaack
“The best part about being here so long has been watching many of my former students return to our community and build amazing families and careers themselves,” Van Schaack shared. “Knowing that I may have played some small role in their success is incredibly satisfying. Many now have children in our schools and support us as parents, which is part of what makes Livermore so special.”
In light of Van Schaack’s recent announcement, Michelle Dawson, LVJUSD coordinator of community engagement, said the LVJUSD Board of Trustees is evaluating options for search firms or other facilitators to aid in the process of finding his replacement.
“The plan is to move swiftly but carefully, because it’s an important decision to make,” Dawson continued.
She further confirmed that his departure was not to “avail himself in pursuit of another position.” “I’m sure at some point after retiring from our school district, he may look for opportunities to apply his educational experience to, but his current plans include spending time with family and enjoying life,” Dawson added.
Once a plan for finding a new superintendent is determined, a timeline of next steps will be made available on the LVJUSD website, the district’s release stated. The board hopes to have new leadership in place on or around July 1.