Benicia school board names Brentwood school official as likely next superintendent

BENICIA – The Benicia Unified School District Board of Education has chosen Brentwood Union Assistant Superintendent Chris Calabrese as its top choice to lead the district. 

The school board is expected to vote to approve Calabrese on Sept. 4.

The district had been searching for a replacement for Damon Wright, who stepped down in June to start a job as superintendent at Santa Clara Unified. In the meantime, former Superintendent Janice Adams came out of retirement to serve as Benicia Unified's interim superintendent. 

Calabrese said in a written statement that he is eager to partner with educators, families, and the community. He will take over the district as it contends with budget concerns and declining enrollment. 

“Together, we can build on the District’s tradition of excellence while embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Calabrese wrote.

Calabrese started his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Brentwood’s Liberty High School, where he also graduated in 1989. He served as a principal in both Brentwood and Livermore Valley school districts. 

After becoming the principal of Rancho Las Positas in Livermore, he knocked on the doors of 525 homes and introduced himself to hundreds of students and families, an experience he wrote about in his “Teachable Principal” blog. 

When he became principal at Loma Vista Elementary School in Brentwood, he implemented a similar door-knocking effort. 

“I want to meet the 4,000-plus students and families of Benicia by making myself available to them throughout the district,” Calabrese said in a written statement. 

Calabrese also served as director of student services at Brentwood Union, where he managed programs in counseling, health, and equity. Calabrese received a “State Administrator of the Year” award for pupil support services in 2020 from the Association of California School Administrators. 

He had coordinated a training program to help staff respond to active shooters, and led the process to bring an app called “Say Something” to middle school students, which allows students to anonymously submit safety concerns regarding at-risk people.

Calabrese, who served as assistant superintendent at Brentwood Union beginning in 2022, said in that role he implemented recruitment strategies to diversify Brentwood’s staff to better reflect the district’s students. He also said he worked with employee leadership for more affordable and comprehensive health care benefits.