Livermore School Board Names Acting Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent Michelle Pechette to temporarily replace Torie Gibson

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees has named Assistant Superintendent Michelle Pechette as acting superintendent following the departure of Superintendent Torie Gibson. Pechette will assume the superintendent's responsibilities until an interim superintendent is named.

Why it matters

The change in district leadership comes amidst controversy over budget cuts, with the board and former Superintendent Gibson agreeing to part ways early. The selection of an acting superintendent is an important step in providing stability and continuity for the school district during this transition.

The details

The board formed an ad hoc committee comprising Trustees Craig Bueno and Emily Prusso to find and recommend a candidate for interim superintendent. As part of the agreement, Gibson will receive a lump-sum severance package equal to 12 months of her base salary, totaling $364,000, and 12 months of health insurance benefits.

  • On Friday, February 6, 2026, the board and former Superintendent Torie Gibson mutually agreed to part ways.
  • At its Tuesday meeting, the board formed an ad hoc committee to find and recommend a candidate for interim superintendent.

The players

Michelle Pechette

The assistant superintendent for educational services, who has been named acting superintendent.

Torie Gibson

The former superintendent, who agreed to part ways with the district amidst controversy over budget cuts.

Steven Drouin

The board president, who announced Pechette's appointment in an email to LVJUSD staff.

Craig Bueno

A trustee who was appointed to the ad hoc committee to find an interim superintendent.

Emily Prusso

A trustee who was appointed to the ad hoc committee to find an interim superintendent.

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What they’re saying

“Pechette, who was named assistant superintendent for educational services in summer 2024, will assume the superintendent's responsibilities until an interim superintendent is named.”

— Steven Drouin, Board President (patch.com)

What’s next

The ad hoc committee comprising Trustees Craig Bueno and Emily Prusso will work to find and recommend a candidate for interim superintendent.

The takeaway

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is taking steps to provide stability and continuity in its leadership during this transition, with the appointment of an acting superintendent and the formation of a committee to find an interim superintendent.