San Francisco (June 18, 2025) - San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Maria Su is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Mount-Benites as the district’s new Deputy Superintendent of Business Services & School Operations. This critical leadership role marks a significant milestone in SFUSD’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the district, strengthen academic achievement, and rebuild public trust.
Following a statewide search utilizing School Services of California, Mr. Mount-Benites was selected for his depth of experience, proven leadership in school systems, and decades-long career dedicated to improving student outcomes. This role is essential in aligning academic programs and support services across the district to ensure that student outcomes remain the core focus. As SFUSD continues its journey toward fiscal stabilization, Mr. Mount-Benites will play a central role in designing and implementing systems and structures to drive progress and accountability.
“This is a pivotal appointment for our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Maria Su. “Mr. Mount-Benites brings the experience, vision, and collaborative spirit that SFUSD needs to advance academic excellence while ensuring operational stability. His leadership will be instrumental as we work toward fiscal recovery and deliver on our promise of continuous improvement to students and families.”
As Deputy Superintendent of Business Services and Operations, Mr. Mount-Benites will report directly to the Superintendent and serve on the Executive Cabinet. He will oversee all departments related to business services and operations, including finance, budget, accounting, payroll, procurement, technology, facilities, student nutrition, transportation, and enrollment services to ensure that SFUSD’s nearly 9,000 employees and 50,000 students have the resources and infrastructure needed to support teaching and learning.
In this critical role, he will lead the development of the District’s annual budget, assess and strengthen key financial and operational systems, and implement a districtwide strategy to improve service delivery and compliance. Mr. Mount-Benites will manage cross-functional teams, participate in labor negotiations, and make strategic personnel and policy decisions to increase efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
He will also collaborate closely with the California Department of Education (CDE) fiscal advisors to ensure that SFUSD’s operational infrastructure supports student learning and long-term fiscal stability.
Mr. Mount-Benites previously served in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as Chief Financial Officer and prior to that, as Chief Procurement Officer. Before his tenure at LAUSD, he served as a Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Business Official and Chief Financial Official of various schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento for over a decade with a specialization in schools that were experiencing fiscal distress. His career in education spans more than two decades, including roles as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and both a high school and elementary school principal in major cities. Prior to his roles in central office and school leadership, Mr. Mount-Benites taught high school English and Social Studies for 10 years.
“I am honored to join the San Francisco Unified School District at such an important time,” said Mr. Mount-Benites. “I’m excited to work alongside students, families, educators, and leaders to strengthen our schools, improve student outcomes, and help guide the district toward lasting fiscal and operational stability.”
With his unique blend of instructional, operational, and financial leadership, Mr. Mount-Benites is well-positioned to support SFUSD in delivering high-quality education for all students while guiding the district toward a more stable and sustainable future.
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