The Alum Rock Union School District has tapped veteran educator George Sanchez to serve as a one-month superintendent for July, trustees confirmed, a quick stopgap meant to keep the district running while the hunt for a permanent chief continues. Families and staff, already rattled by cuts and rapid leadership turnover, are watching the move closely.
Trustee Corina Herrera‑Loera told San José Spotlight that Sandra Garcia’s interim contract wrapped at the end of June, so the board signed a short contract with Sanchez at the start of July to provide coverage during the search. Trustees say Sanchez brings more than 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, principal and local board leader.
The district’s public board calendar shows a June 27 special meeting with an agenda item titled “Employee Contract - George Sanchez,” indicating trustees formally considered the short appointment in open session. The meeting materials and agendas are posted on the board agendas page on ARUSD.
Alum Rock has been trimming staff and consolidating campuses as enrollment drops and budgets tighten. NBC Bay Area reported that the board approved dozens of layoffs earlier this year and cited district projections of an $8 million shortfall for 2026–27. A June 17 report from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury flagged long-term fiscal and governance problems, including a sharp enrollment decline and six school closures during 2025–26.
Trustees Say Sanchez Will Steady the Ship
Board members are pitching the hire as a short-term stabilizer while they grind through the full search. Trustee Minh Pham told San José Spotlight that Sanchez is a regionally respected school administrator with integrity and will provide interim administrative coverage.
Search for a Permanent Leader
The district has launched a formal superintendent search that, according to the job posting, calls for experience improving student outcomes, strong financial and operational leadership, clear and transparent communication and skill in navigating complex governance dynamics. Trustees say landing someone who can carry out reforms and rebuild community trust is at the top of the list.
What to Watch
With watchdog reports and audits looming in the background, trustees face pressure to pick a leader who can deliver both classroom results and financial stability. The Civil Grand Jury urged the district to strengthen long-term financial planning, restore citizen oversight of bond spending and improve transparency, priorities a new superintendent would be expected to take on quickly.
