Alvarado Resigns From Santa Barbara Unified
Denise Alvarado, executive director of Elementary Education, left the district as superintendent Hilda Maldonado announced her retirement.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Administration
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Denise Alvarado resigned as executive director of Elementary Education for the Santa Barbara Unified School District on Oct. 30. She has taken a senior executive director role of Specialty Programs at the Westminster School District.
Why it matters
The departure adds to a wave of administrative turnover in the district as leadership changes follow the superintendent's retirement announcement. Parents and staff in Santa Barbara are watching how the district fills its senior academic posts.
At least 10 district administrators have departed under Superintendent Hilda Maldonado over her six-year tenure. Alvarado had joined the district in July 2022 after 19 years in Orange County school districts, and it is not stated who will fill her post.
The players
Denise Alvarado
A longtime Orange County educator with 19 years in local districts before her Santa Barbara Unified tenure, she now serves as senior executive director of Specialty Programs at the Westminster School District.
Hilda Maldonado
Santa Barbara Unified superintendent who served a six-year tenure and announced her retirement on Oct. 30, 2026.
The details
Alvarado joined Santa Barbara Unified in July 2022 as executive director of Curriculum and Instruction before moving to Elementary Education. Superintendent Hilda Maldonado also announced her retirement on Oct. 30, and she has assembled an entirely new cabinet except for John Becchio, assistant superintendent of human resources.
Timeline
July 2022: Alvarado joins Santa Barbara Unified as executive director of Curriculum and Instruction.
Oct. 30, 2026: Alvarado leaves the district and Maldonado announces her retirement.
Administration Trend
Several departing Santa Barbara Unified leaders, including Elise Simmons, Shawn Carey and Frann Wageneck, have moved to the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Alvarado's move to Westminster fits the same pattern of administrators leaving the district for other public education roles.
Families in Santa Barbara may see changes in elementary education leadership as the district fills senior roles. Parents should watch for announcements about Alvarado's replacement and the incoming superintendent's cabinet choices.
The takeaway
Leadership turnover can reshape how a district sets its academic priorities. Staying informed about cabinet changes helps families understand who is guiding their children's schools.
Further reading
Explore more on Administration to see how school district leadership changes are unfolding in Santa Barbara.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Barbara News-Press.
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