Jan. 20, 2017 (Sacramento): With his contract expiring in June, Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent José Banda will formally announce at an 8:30 a.m. Friday press availability that he will not seek renewal of his three-year agreement with the city schools.

WHO:  Superintendent José Banda and Board of Education President Jay Hansen

WHAT: Formal announcement of Superintendent Banda’s departure in June

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20 at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: SCUSD headquarters (upstairs lobby), 5735 47^th Ave., Sacramento 95824

“It has been a privilege and honor to have served the students, families and staff here in Sacramento,” Banda will observe at a meeting with news media on Friday. The superintendent said he made the decision to leave after much thought and deliberation, and made the announcement now to allow the Board of Education ample time to recruit and hire a new leader.

“I will continue to lead the district for the remainder of the school year and to provide assistance for a smooth transition of leadership,” Banda stated. “I’m proud of several accomplishments, but most proud of having served with the dedicated adults who perform amazing service to all of our students.”

Banda cited the following achievements during his tenure:

• Maintained fiscal solvency
• Developed a model Local Control Funding Formula and Local Control and Accountability Plan
• Implemented full class size reduction in grades K-3
• Implemented a teacher recruitment effort that resulted in the hiring of more than 230 teachers for the 2016-17 school year
• Restored support service staff including counselors, nurses, psychologists and custodians
• Created an Equity Department that expanded social emotional learning
• Reopened and repurposed closed schools such as Washington Elementary
• Expanded wireless internet capabilities at all schools

Board of Education President Jay Hansen said Banda provided steady leadership after the sudden departure of the previous superintendent, Jonathan Raymond. “José’s leadership built the instructional and fiscal stability that allowed us to continue to grow as a school district,” Hansen said. “He created an excellent cabinet that allowed us to move forward with a viable and effective strategic plan and build stronger community relationships. He is a superintendent who has kept service to children foremost during his time in the district.” Hansen added that the six-month notice is in keeping with Banda’s quiet way of service.

“The Board and I appreciate that he has announced his plans early enough so we have time to ensure a well thought out plan and recruitment effort for his successor,” Hansen said.

Banda was appointed Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent on July 17, 2014. As SCUSD’s top administrator, he leads one of the oldest public school districts in California with 77 K-12 and adult education schools, 43,000 students and 4,200 employees.

Prior to assuming the Sacramento schools post, Banda served as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Anaheim City School District and Planada School District. He also served as deputy superintendent at Oceanside Unified School District and assistant superintendent of human resources and a board member for the Salida Union School District. 

Banda’s 36 years in education also includes serving as a middle and high school principal, and high school counselor and bilingual teacher. He is a fluent Spanish speaker and holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Bakersfield and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Chapman University.