Sacramento City Unified School District faces a pivotal transition as Superintendent Lisa Allen announces her retirement amid efforts to avert a state takeover
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Sacramento City Unified School District Lisa Allen announced her retirement Thursday during the district’s Board of Education Meeting as the district seeks solutions to close a budget deficit and avoid a state takeover.
Before leaving the meeting, Allen thanked administrators, teachers and staff for their dedication and compassion to bring learning to life. “You shaped countless lives often in ways you may never fully realize,” Allen said.
Allen also thanked the public and the SCUSD Board of Education. “It has been a profound honor to work with each of you. I have learned a lot, and I am grateful,” said Allen.
In a unanimous vote in closed session, the Board of Education named interim superintendent Cancy McArn, who marks 30 years with the district this year.
The Board of Education also issued a statement Thursday acknowledging Allen’s resignation and expressed gratitude for her decades of service.
They say Allen, who has spent more than 30 years with SCUSD, began her career as a classroom teacher before rising through leadership ranks to become superintendent. She was appointed to the position in 2023.
The SCUSD Board of Education wrote in a statement:
“The Board deeply appreciates Superintendent Allen’s 30-year legacy of service—a journey that began in the classroom and culminated in the superintendent’s office. In 2023, when the Board asked her to consider a role she never sought, Superintendent Allen stepped up at a pivotal moment, leading with a rare blend of grace and courage, following her big heart for students, staff, and our community.
At this time, both Superintendent Allen and the Board believe that creating space for new leadership will best position the District to address and overcome its current challenges. Drawing on her own experiences, Superintendent Allen is following her heart again and is creating space for a transition that can open new opportunities to tackle the complex issues we face.
The impact she has made on our school district is profound. The passion and dedication she poured into Sacramento City Unified will continue to resonate throughout our community. The Board is immensely grateful to Superintendent Allen for all she has done and continues to do for our school district.”