Two MPCSD leaders chosen as 2026 Administrators of the Year

The Menlo Park City School District announced that two of its leaders have been selected as Administrators of the Year for 2026. Superintendent Kristen Gracia and Chief Business Official Jackie Chen were both selected by Region 5 (San Mateo and San Francisco counties) of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as leaders of the year in the categories of Superintendent and Business Services Administrator, respectively.

Kristen Gracia has been with MPCSD for 26 years including as a teacher, site administrator, and assistant superintendent. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, working in partnership with staff, school board, and community, resulting in a student-centered approach that prioritizes connection, learning, and continuous improvement. Kristen ensures that all district goals and initiatives move the organization toward the strong and meaningful vision —established under her leadership — of “educating and empowering students while embracing childhood and adolescence”.

Most recently, Kristen led the district and community through a financial sustainability exercise to align spending with vision and create a balanced budget. She has also implemented the School Board’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Resolution, creating systemic practices and systems that uphold the district’s commitment and resulted in MPCSD earning California Green Ribbon Schools recognition this year. With a focus on student success and environmental sustainability, she is currently guiding the implementation of Measure U, a 2024 bond that is funding safety, security, and resilient facilities improvements across the district.

Jackie Chen joined MPCSD in 2024, bringing years of education and experience in fiscal management in both the private sector and with several school districts. Prior to MPCSD, Jackie led significant transformations across district operations, audited public schools throughout the state, and worked closely with accounting, budgeting, payroll and human resources. Throughout this year’s financial sustainability exercise and during the implementation of Measure U, Jackie’s leadership has strengthened the district’s financial position and guided spending with an eye toward efficiency, prudent investment, and careful stewardship of the public’s resources.

School Board member Sherwin Chen, who attended the awards ceremony, said “These awards underscore the exceptional vision, stewardship and commitment that Superintendent Gracia and Chief Business Officer Chen bring to our district every day. Our Board is proud to work alongside such dedicated leaders who consistently prioritize student well-being and achievement above all else.”

ACSA Region 5 includes all of San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, with over 300 schools serving more than 140,000 students. Ms. Gracia and Ms. Chen were officially recognized at ACSA’s 2026 “Bay Lights, Bright Futures: Administrators of the Year Awards Gala” in South San Francisco on April 24, 2026.