By Sara Beth Williams–
The San Juan Unified School District announced on its website this week that Superintendent Melissa Bassanelli will be taking a medical leave of absence following a recent diagnosis.
In her absence, Chief of Staff Trent Allen will serve as the district’s primary point of contact and will collaborate closely with the Board of Education, the superintendent’s cabinet, site leaders, and staff to ensure continued support for students, families, and the broader community.
District officials emphasized that leadership remains “committed to advancing the goals outlined in the community-developed strategic plan.”
Bassanelli has served as superintendent since January 2023, following the retirement of Kent Kern, who had led the district as superintendent for nearly nine years. Prior to her appointment, Bassanelli served as deputy superintendent overseeing the Division of Teaching and Learning, and has spent more than two decades in the district, beginning her career as a teacher and steadily moving through administrative roles.
While no timeline for her return has been announced, the district said its focus on student success and ongoing initiatives across schools and departments will continue without interruption during Bassanelli’s leave.
