Superintendent

Melissa Bassanelli
Superintendent of Schools

Melissa Bassanelli was named San Juan Unified’s superintendent of schools on Jan. 1, 2023. 

Bassanelli served as San Juan Unified's deputy superintendent of schools and programs from 2019 through 2022, with responsibility for the Division of Teaching and Learning. She played a key role in the development, implementation and refinement of the district’s strategic plan, Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) plan and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) plan. 

She started her career at San Juan Unified in 1997. Prior to serving as deputy superintendent, she served as the assistant superintendent of elementary and K-8 education (2017-2019), director of professional learning and curriculum innovation (2014-2017), principal (2011-2014), vice principal (2009-2011), director of extended learning and support programs (2007-2009) and coordinator of extended learning and intervention programs (2006-2007). Prior to 2006, Bassanelli served as an intervention assistant, school/community intervention specialist, and supervisor of intervention/prevention programs.

A strong believer in professional growth and development, Bassanelli holds memberships in the Association for California School Administrators, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, California School Boards Association and the National School Reform Faculty’s Critical Friends Group. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from California State University, Sacramento and holds a master’s degree from the University of LaVerne, where she also earned her administrative services credential. Bassanelli resides in Fair Oaks with her husband and has children who formerly attended San Juan Unified schools. 

Contacts

Melissa Bassanelli
Superintendent
(916) 971-7104

Nan Roux
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
(916) 971-7104