PRESS RELEASE FROM PENN VALLEY UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Penn Valley Union Elementary School District Appoints Yuri Calderon as Next Superintendent
Board celebrates leadership transition and honors retiring Superintendent Melissa Conley for 17 years of dedicated service
PENN VALLEY, Calif. — The Board of Trustees of Penn Valley Union Elementary School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Yuri Calderon as the District’s next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026.
Calderon brings more than three decades of experience in California public education and a career defined by leadership, innovation, fiscal stewardship, and a deep commitment to student success. He succeeds Superintendent Melissa Conley, whose leadership has helped guide the District through an important chapter of growth, stability, and service to the Penn Valley community.
The Board expressed its appreciation to Conley for her years of dedicated leadership and extended congratulations as she begins her retirement.
“Melissa has served Penn Valley with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering focus on students,” said Rob Moen, President of the Board of Trustees. “Her leadership leaves a strong foundation for the future. As we looked toward the District’s next chapter, we sought a leader who could honor what makes Penn Valley special while helping us build for the future. Yuri stood out as someone who brings both strategic leadership and a genuine commitment to community.”
Calderon currently serves as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at Orange Unified School District, where he oversees business operations across a large and complex educational system, including fiscal services, facilities, transportation, nutrition services, maintenance and operations, purchasing, risk management, and long-range strategic planning. Over the course of his career, Calderon has served as a Chief Business Official in multiple California school districts, Executive Director of the Small School Districts’ Association, legal counsel to educational organizations, and a statewide advocate for rural and small school districts. His work has focused on aligning resources with student outcomes, strengthening district sustainability, and ensuring that schools remain deeply connected to the communities they serve.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the students, families, staff, and broader Penn Valley community,” said Calderon. “Penn Valley is a district with a strong reputation, a close-knit culture, and tremendous potential. I believe deeply that schools thrive when they combine high expectations, meaningful relationships, fiscal responsibility, and a relentless focus on students. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside this community to build on the strong foundation already in place.”
Superintendent Conley welcomed the transition and expressed confidence in the District’s future. “It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable community,” said Conley. “Penn Valley’s strength has always been its people: our students, staff, families, and community partners. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited to see the District continue to grow under Yuri’s leadership. I wish him every success as he begins this important work.”
Calderon will spend his first months engaging with students, employees, families, and community stakeholders to build relationships and help shape priorities for the future.
About Penn Valley Union Elementary School District
Penn Valley Union Elementary School District serves approximately 530 students across three schools in the communities of Penn Valley, Lake Wildwood, and Rough and Ready in western Nevada County. Located in the scenic Sierra foothills approximately 60 miles northeast of Sacramento, the District offers the advantages of a close-knit community where students are known personally, and relationships matter.
Grounded in its belief that strong schools create strong communities, Penn Valley is committed to providing a student-centered educational experience that supports the academic, social, and personal growth of every learner. The District emphasizes high expectations, meaningful partnerships with families, and creating opportunities that prepare students not only for academic success, but to become engaged citizens, thoughtful leaders, and lifelong learners. With a tradition of community involvement and a focus on continuous improvement, Penn Valley Union Elementary School District remains dedicated to ensuring every student is known, supported, challenged, and inspired to thrive.