Stanley Munro, who was hired in May 2022 as assistant superintendent of elementary schools, has resigned from his post with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Noozhawk has learned.

His last day is July 31.

“It has been a difficult decision to make, but after careful consideration, prayer, and consultation with my family, I have determined that it is in the best interest of my family, their health and overall well-being,” Munro said in his resignation letter.

Munro had replaced Ana Escobedo.

District Superintendent Hilda Maldonado said she does not plan to hire a new person for the position.

“We took this opportunity to re-evaluate and reorganize the Education Services Department to better align with our evolving needs and goals,” Maldonado told Noozhawk. “This reorganization will allow us to streamline our operations as a pre-K-12 unified school district, increase collaboration across different areas, and focus on delivering the highest quality of education to our students while bringing a $30,000 salary savings to the district.

“To ensure that we maintain our high level of attention being paid to elementary education, Denise Alvarado will move into the role of executive director of elementary education.”

Munro said in his resignation letter that he is “forever thankful” to Maldonado for her leadership.

“It has been an honor to learn from such an amazing student-centered and equity-driven leader,” Munro wrote in his letter.

Munro joined the district with some drama. He resigned from his top post at the Beloit School District in Wisconsin in January 2020, just before officials were set to launch a formal investigation into his professional behavior.

Munro stepped down from his job as superintendent, and the Beloit board of trustees approved the resignation at a Jan. 15, 2020, meeting, according to the Beloit School District agenda.

Munro was facing allegations of “intimidation” and “bullying.”

Three employees filed complaints against Munro, including a security guard who alleged retaliation, harassment and improper disciplinary action over a Facebook post in support of teachers, according to the Beloit Daily News.

Maldonado said Munro’s time at the district was impactful.

“Through his swift actions, we became a more unified TK-6 system, particularly in teaching, learning and assessments,” Maldonado said. “His leadership allowed us to streamline assessments and establish Reading Playbook Modules that will continue to keep us focused on outcomes. While I am personally sad to see him go, I admire his decision to prioritize his family’s needs at this time. I am grateful for his commitment to our community.”

Munro’s exit comes during a summer when Elise Simmons, principal of Santa Barbara High School, resigned from her post to pursue a job with the Santa Barbara County Education Office.