Update: School district selects Tom Bennett for superintendent
Update posted April 2, 5 p.m.:
Tom Bennett.
– The Atascadero Unified School District released official information regarding their selected candidate for superintendent. The official announcement reads:
On April 1, 2025, at its regular meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Tom Bennett to serve as the next Superintendent of Atascadero Unified School District. Dr. Bennett’s tenure will begin on July 1, 2025 and follow the long and successful tenure of Tom Butler.
“It is an honor to welcome Dr. Tom Bennett as the next Superintendent of Atascadero Unified.” Stated Acting Board President Denise McGrew-Kane. “Dr. Bennett has extensive experience as an educational leader. The Board is honored that he will be joining our District on July 1.”
Dr. Bennett brings proven leadership skills and broad experience, and expertise in the field of education. Dr. Bennett began his career as a high school mathematics teacher in El Cajon. Dr. Bennett then spent several years in higher education as a professor of mathematics education and university administrator.
Dr. Bennett then led Santa Fe Christian Schools for a number of years before becoming Superintendent of Rancho Santa Fe School District. During his tenure at Sante Fe Christian Schools, the organization was named one of the best places to work by its own staff, earned National Blue Ribbon School awards, and Exemplary High Performing School awards.
Dr. Bennett’s passion for building relationships, establishing trust, and understanding the needs and concerns of all stakeholders in a school community will serve him well at Atascadero Unified.
“The Board anticipates that Dr. Bennett will find success by leading with a collaborative approach to our school community and an emphasis on effective communication and trust.” Acting President Ms. McGrew-Kane, stated.
Prior to joining Atascadero Unified, Dr. Bennett served as Interim Superintendent for Hughes Elizabeth Lakes Union Elementary School District, Superintendent of Rancho Sante Fe Schools, Superintendent of Santa Fe Christian Schools, and a long-time mathematics teacher and university professor. Dr. Bennett has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in educational psychology from United States International University, and his Ph.D. in educational psychology, learning, and instruction from University of California, Los Angeles.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead Atascadero Unified School District. This is an exceptional opportunity to join and lead Atascadero Unified. I look forward to getting to know this community, learning from other leaders and educators in the community, and moving Atascadero Unified in the right direction,” said Dr. Tom Bennett.
“The Board of Trustees heard from our community and selected Dr. Bennett as our next Superintendent based upon his established track record leading schools and serving his community. We look forward to his leadership. We ask the entire Atascadero school community to join me in welcoming Dr. Bennett to Atascadero Unified,” said Acting President Ms. McGrew-Kane.
Original article posted April 2, 6 a.m.:
Tom Bennett replaces outgoing superintendent after public outcry against previous choice
– The Atascadero Unified School District has selected a new candidate for superintendent after initially withdrawing its previous choice, according to a report by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. The Board of Trustees is set to appoint Tom Bennett to the role during its meeting on Tuesday, replacing outgoing superintendent Tom Butler.
Bennett, who began his career as a high school math teacher in El Cajon and later worked in university administration, is currently serving as interim superintendent of the Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union Elementary School District. Acting Board of Trustees president Denise McGrew-Kane announced his appointment in a March 28 letter to the community. Before his current role, Bennett led Santa Fe Christian Schools and later served as superintendent of the Rancho Santa Fe School District in Southern California.
Bennett’s selection comes after the board rescinded its decision to hire assistant superintendent of educational services E.J. Rossi following community backlash. Rossi was chosen from a pool of 25 candidates identified by executive search firm Leadership Associates, which was contracted for approximately $25,000. Six candidates were interviewed, and two finalists were selected. While Rossi emerged as the leading candidate, concerns arose among parents and teachers over past allegations of financial mismanagement in the San Ardo Union School District, according to the Tribune. Rossi has maintained that he was not involved in any criminal wrongdoing.
Click here to view the SLO Tribune’s article.
