Placentia, Calif. (November 19, 2025) – The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. John Pappalardo as the new Chief Business Officer (CBO). Dr. Pappalardo’s appointment comes following a formal approval by the Board of Education on Tuesday, November 18.
In this role, which was previously titled Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Pappalardo will be responsible for the coordination and administration of districtwide functions related to the budget as well as the oversight of several departments including fiscal services, maintenance and facilities, nutrition services, payroll, print shop, purchasing, records, risk management, technology, transportation, and use of facilities.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we welcome Dr. Pappalardo, an accomplished leader, into his new position,” shared Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “His extensive knowledge of public education, expertise in business procedures and operations, and extensive leadership experience will make him a valuable asset to our team and entire community.”
Dr. Pappalardo began his career in education in 1987 with the Fullerton Joint Union High School District as a Business Services Manager and, more recently, served as Chief Financial Officer for the Cambrian School District. Throughout his 38-year career, he has held numerous impactful roles across California, including Director, Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Pappalardo received his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne, his master’s degree in management science from California State University, Fullerton, and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State Polytechnic, Pomona.
In addition to his administrative leadership, he has served as an adjunct instructor at California State University, San José, and California State University, Los Angeles, where he taught finance and business courses to doctoral students.
Away from work, Dr. Pappalardo and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Glendora. They have three grown children, Lindsay, John III, and James, two of whom are public school teachers. Dr. Pappalardo is excited to return to Orange County, where he began his career, and looks forward to serving the students, families, and staff of PYLUSD with enthusiasm, integrity, and a shared commitment to the District’s bright future. He will begin his new role on December 15, 2025.