09/10/2026
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum on Tuesday, Sept. 8 announced his impending retirement during a meeting of the District Board of Trustees, bringing to a close an 11-year tenure as superintendent and more than 34 years of service in public education. Dr. Tennenbaum’s final day with the District will be Feb. 3, 2027.
In his retirement announcement to the Board, Dr. Tennenbaum described serving the San Benito High School District as “the absolute privilege of my professional career.” His career in public education has included service as an athletic coach and educator, as well as nearly two decades as an administrator. “Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply inspired by what we have accomplished together on behalf of our students, staff, and community,” Dr. Tennenbaum said. “My tenure with the San Benito High School District has been anchored in a relentless commitment to continuous improvement, grounded in relational trust, systemic alignment, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every Baler.”
A Legacy of Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Tennenbaum has emphasized collaboration among the Board of Trustees, District leadership, educators, classified staff, students, families and community partners. In his announcement, he credited the District’s progress to strong governance, partnership and a shared vision centered on students. Through the District’s Whole Systems Collaboration Model, Strategic Plan and Baler STRONG Core Values, Dr. Tennenbaum said the District established a student-centered culture focused on equity and inclusion, accountability and high academic standards. “Above all, our transformation has been a collective team effort,” he said. “Every major milestone was achieved because educators, support staff, leadership team members, students, parents, labor partners, and community members pulled together with a single focus: improving the learning and working environment for all members of the San Benito High School District.” During Dr. Tennenbaum’s leadership, the District developed and modernized its comprehensive high school campus while expanding opportunities and support for the whole student. Among the accomplishments he highlighted were the addition of more than 50 new course offerings, expanded Advanced Placement access, a thriving Dual Enrollment program, 13 Career Technical Education pathways across nine industry sectors, and three Academies. The District also expanded its focus on whole-student support and wellness through the launch of a dedicated Wellness Center, implementation of Social-Emotional Learning and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and expansion of the student nutrition program to serve more than 700,000 meals annually.
Dr. Tennenbaum also cited the establishment of an award-winning communications program and the creation of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council as examples of the District’s efforts to strengthen connections with students, families, alumni, local agencies and the greater San Benito County community.
Board Leadership Recognizes Dr. Tennenbaum
San Benito High School District Board President Miguel Sahagun Jr. shared that Superintendent Tennenbaum's retirement comes during a “truly golden era for the San Benito High School District and Hollister High School. The campus has never looked more beautiful and the accolades for the school and for our outstanding staff continue to pile up year after year.” President Sahagun noted that Superintendent Tennenbaum led the district through “countless campus improvement projects that have benefited our students, staff and the community at-large. His leadership was key in guiding the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the focus on a safe and successful return to on-campus instruction. We are truly grateful for his dedication, commitment and accomplishments during his tenure as superintendent.”
Trustee Steve DeLay, who was the president of the Board of Trustees when Dr. Tennenbaum was selected as superintendent, said, “In my 50 years with the District, I have never seen a more effective superintendent. The amount of accomplishments is amazing -- from finishing the campus build-out to Career Technical Education pathways to increased Advanced Placement courses.”
‘The Foundation We Built Together Is Strong’
As he prepares for retirement, Dr. Tennenbaum expressed appreciation to current and former trustees and to the students, educators, staff and educational leaders with whom he has worked. “I leave knowing that the foundation we built together is strong, durable, and positioned to serve Balers for generations to come,” he said. Dr. Tennenbaum closed his announcement with a message that has become a familiar expression of his commitment to the District and its community. “Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to serve the San Benito High School District,” he said. “As I approach my last day on February 3, 2027, always remember it is a great day to be a BALER because of you!”
Next Steps
Information regarding the Board of Trustees’ process and timeline for selecting the District’s next superintendent will be announced when it becomes available.
