Benicia USD Superintendent Charles Young To Retire

By Katy St. Clair, Bay City News Foundation

BENICIA, CA — Benicia Unified School District Superintendent Charles Young has announced he will retire at the end of the school year, according to a message posted on the district's website.

Young said it was a "difficult" decision to retire after 35 years of public education service, the last seven of which were as superintendent in Benicia.

"My career as an educator has been profoundly gratifying and humbling," he said. "I am profoundly grateful for each student I have taught, each teacher, principal, administrator, staff member of the many departments with a school district, and parent I have had the opportunity to work with."

BUSD and the superintendent faced many challenges under Young's watch, including an attempt last year to get a recall on the ballot to remove two school board trustees who supported COVID-19 safety measures, such as remote learning.

Recall supporters said the trustees "failed to represent their constituents" by denying students access to in-person learning. The recall never came to a vote because its supporters did not gather enough signatures.

"Being a school superintendent (or a school board member) at this time is a very demanding job, and subjects one to extreme criticism," said Benicia Mayor Steve Young. "35 years is a long time to devote to a career, and I wish him well in his retirement."

Young said he trusts that the school board will do an exhaustive recruitment for Young's replacement.

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