Chris Van Schaack Appointed Livermore Valley Superintendent Of Schools

LIVERMORE, CA —Chris Van Schaack will become the new superintendent of schools for the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) after his appointment was unanimously approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday, according to the LVJUSD.

Van Schaack, who has been the district's deputy superintendent since 2017, is scheduled to begin working in his new position on August 1. He will replace Kelly Bowers, who will be retiring in July.

"I recognize the level of trust that goes with assigning responsibility for 13,000 students and 1,500 employees, and I commit to our board and community that not a day will go by when I do not appreciate that in my leadership and decision making," Van Schaack said.

Van Schaack began his career with the district in 1994 as a high school teacher and coach. He also has served as an elementary school principal, the director of Student Services and Special Education and the assistant superintendent of Administrative Services before taking his current position.

According to the district, Van Schaack has led the district's negotiations team for the last 12 years and he played a key role in the district's management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Chris is more than prepared to take on the role of superintendent," Bowers said. "He understands the needs of our district and has great vision for propelling it forward. He has the full endorsement of our board and the enthusiastic support of our colleagues to take our district to even greater heights. It is with great pride that I pass the baton to him."

Members of the board said Van Schaack's appointment as deputy superintendent had been part of the succession planning process that the board put in place.

Still, the board said it worked with Leadership Associates, a well-known search firm, in order to help with pre-screening, interviews and contract negotiations during the superintendent search.

"It was important for us (the board) to have a thorough, yet efficient process for appointing a new superintendent to ensure the continuity of leadership going into a new school year," said Craig Bueno, board president.

Bueno added: "Today we confirm our board's priorities and vision for the future are aligned with Mr. Van Schaack's priorities and vision. We have every confidence he will continue to lead LVJUSD forward into what we plan to be a very promising tomorrow for Livermore students."

Van Schaack, whose children attended Livermore schools, is scheduled to address LVJUSD staff about his vision for the future at the annual kickoff event prior to the first day of school on Aug. 23.