San Juan Unified announces two senior leadership changes

San Juan Unified School District has appointed two experienced leaders to key positions on its executive leadership team following robust search and selection processes.

Timothy “Chip” Dale, Ed.D., has been named the district’s next deputy superintendent of schools and student support, and Daniel Thigpen has been appointed as chief of human resources, pending board approval.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chip and to continue working alongside Daniel in his new role,” said Superintendent Melissa Bassanelli. “Both leaders bring a deep commitment to equity, student success and people-centered leadership. Their experience and values will be critical as we continue advancing the goals of our strategic plan and empowering every student to succeed.”

Dale currently serves as a community superintendent at Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has previously held leadership roles in Denver Public Schools and the San Diego Unified School District. He is scheduled to begin with San Juan Unified on June 23, overseeing and supporting elementary and secondary education and educational services. He will directly supervise special education, professional learning and curriculum innovation and assessment, evaluation and planning. 

“I am looking forward to joining San Juan Unified and excited to be part of a district that leads with purpose and puts students at the center,” said Dale. “I look forward to working alongside dedicated educators, staff, families and the broader community to support every student’s success and build on the district’s strong foundation.”

Thigpen has been serving as the district’s acting chief of human resources since March and previously led labor relations and government affairs. He also brings state-level experience as the former deputy superintendent of public instruction, communications branch, at the California Department of Education. In his new role, he will continue to oversee labor relations in addition to leading the district’s human resources department.

“I’m honored to continue serving San Juan Unified in this new role and to support the incredible people who make our schools thrive,” said Thigpen. “Our team is committed to building strong partnerships, advancing equity, and ensuring every employee feels valued and empowered to do their best work on behalf of students.”