HR chief named interim Sac City superintendent after Allen’s sudden departure
Following an emotional goodbye to outgoing Superintendent Lisa Allen, the Sacramento City Unified School District board named longtime district employee Cancy McArn as acting leader of the district.
McArn is in her 30th year of employment at SCUSD. She started her career in the classroom, working as an elementary school teacher for seven years and then as new teacher support coordinator, according to her LinkedIn. After several years in the human resources department, she became chief human resources officer in 2013.
Board President Tara Jeane introduced McArn as someone who “knows and respects SCUSD history” and who can guide the district in an uncertain moment.
“She has a passion for and commitment to our school district, a track record of deep relationships with students, staff and parents, and an optimistic approach that remains positive even under pressure,” Jeane said in her introduction. “She has a willingness to evolve and to rethink the systems that are no longer serving us. She is ready to help us shift our strategies to meet our current fiscal challenges head on.”
McArn took her new seat at the dais next to Jeane.
“I promise to lead with steadiness, respect and unwavering focus on what matters most — our students and the communities that we serve — with this honor and just an overwhelming sense of pride,” McArn said.
As interim superintendent, McArn will earn a $325,000 salary.
Allen’s final remarks to SCUSD
Although Allen’s departure was announced to staff earlier in the day, the decision was made final at Thursday night’s meeting.
“The Board deeply appreciates Superintendent Allen’s 30-year legacy of service — a journey that began in the classroom and culminated in the superintendent’s office,” Jeane said. “In 2023, when the board asked her to consider a role she never sought, Superintendent Allen stepped up at a pivotal moment, leading with a rare blend of grace and courage, following her big heart for students, staff and our community.”
In her final remarks to the SCUSD community, Allen expressed her deep love for the staff and students of the district.
“This rewarding work has given me so much more than I could have ever given. I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this district and its incredible staff, and I am very proud of the accomplishments,” she said. “While I may be retiring from this role, I will always remain a proud supporter and advocate for our schools. This district will forever be a part of who I am.”
Lisa’s hands shook as she accepted a gift from Jeane, accompanied by the sound of a standing ovation from the board and the nearly 200 people in the room. The applause went on as Allen slipped out the back door.
As a part of the voluntary separation agreement, Allen will receive $152,573 of her remaining salary for the year and a payout of $74,791 for her unused vacation time.
In a press briefing during a meeting recess, Jeane said that the “mutual decision” to find new leadership was not directly related to the budget crisis.
“We didn’t make any decisions lightly,” she said. “We had a lot of deep conversations and soul-searching to really figure out what was best for each person involved and what the district needed to move us forward.”
The search for a new superintendent
Jeane said that a plan to search for and hire a new superintendent will be solidified within the next couple of weeks.
“What I can share is that we are confident in our process and we are confident in our people,” she said. “We are committed to transparency and accountability and making sure that the community has a voice through those of us elected to represent.”
Jeane said she is not concerned about finding a new leader in a period of financial hardship.
“I think there are a lot of people who get excited by the challenge, and that’s exactly who we need to partner with to solve our problems,” she said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
