San Juan Unified to launch search for new CFO

School Services of California will assist San Juan Unified School District in the recruitment and selection of its next chief financial officer (CFO). The application period for qualified candidates closes on Nov. 27. 

“Strong fiscal management and stability have been points of pride in San Juan Unified and have allowed us to make important strategic investments supporting our students, staff and community,” said Superintendent Melissa Bassanelli. “In our next CFO, we will be looking for a leader who can help continue this path and serve as part of a dynamic leadership team.” 

Candidates should have strong financial leadership experience in a K-12 setting. With a budget of more than $950 million across all of its funds, San Juan Unified is the 10th largest school system in California serving more than 50,000 TK through 12th grade, pre-school, infant, toddler and adult learners. 

Current CFO Jennifer Stahlheber announced earlier this month that she will leave the district in mid-November for another position. As the search and selection process for her replacement is conducted, Lisa Grant-Dawson will serve as the interim CFO. Grant-Dawson brings more than 20 years of leadership and financial planning experience with a deep background in both medium and large K-12 systems where she has a demonstrated track record of improving operations. She currently serves as the Chief Business Officer in Oakland Unified School District where she helps to manage more than $1 billion in annual funding. Prior to her time in Oakland, she provided leadership in the Stockton, Hayward and Vallejo school systems.

Inquiries about the CFO position can be directed to Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Rebecca Toto at rebecca.toto@sanjuan.edu.