The Alhambra Unified School District appointed Mark Keppel High School’s principal to become the next assistant superintendent of student and employee welfare, following the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Laurel Bear.

Scanlan will lead Gateway to Success, the district’s mental health program, which was founded by Bear in 2008, according to a press release. He has worked for the district for 20 years.

“The Gateway team is one of the best anywhere,” said Scanlan in the press release. “It will be a privilege to work together.”

“The whole district now takes ownership of Gateway and our amazing community partners are firmly in place to make the program sustainable and to also address the root causes of mental health and behavior issues,” said Bear. “The Gateway team knows and respects John.”

Bear is retiring after 38 years with the Alhambra Unified School District.