Santa Clara County school superintendent abruptly fired

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCOE) on Wednesday night voted to terminate Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan, without cause. 

Dewan had held the position for more than six years, after joining the board of education in 2013. 

She was previously chief schools officer, deputy superintendent and then served as interim superintendent before being officially appointed to the position.   

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Back in February, the board held a closed-door meeting to discuss Dewan's performance and leadership, prompting questions from community members as to why her performance evaluation had been prolonged, taking months, the San Jose Spotlight reported.

Prior to that meeting, community members lined up to weigh-in, many expressing their support, especially noting her leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic.   

She has faced some criticism over her handling of special education programs, including concerns about workplace safety and lack of resources. 

Still, the move came as a surprise to many parents and teachers.

For hours at the Board of Education meeting, people spoke in support of district Superintendent Dewan.

"She's a visionary and knows how to get things done," said one person.  Another added, "She has a unique ability to make people feel seen and heard."

And they begged the board to let her keep her job.

One of those who opposed the decision was Trustee Tara Sreekrishnan.

"I was strongly against this decision that was made behind closed doors, close to midnight without public involvement. And it led to staff walking out in protest," she said.

She called the vote poor judgment and a political stunt.

Sreekrishnan said the public deserves answers about why this termination happened and why now.

"It was a shocking decision. That's why I'm calling for a public hearing, so the public can hear more. I believe they deserve that. I don't think there has been enough accountability and transparency throughout this process," said Sreekrishnan.

There is no word on what led to Wednesday's termination. 

In a statement released by the Santa Clara Office of Education, Dewan expressed that it has been an honor and privilege to serve the county's schools, staff and students. 

"I have dedicated my life to service of our community and hold the work of the County Office of Education in high esteem," Dewan said, adding, "I am incredibly proud of all we have done together to advance equity, inclusion, diversity and partnership."

The Santa Clara County Board of Education thanked Dewan for her service following her appointment to the Board in 2018. The Board said the following in a statement: 

"During her 6 years of service, Superintendent Dewan has placed a high value on cultivating systems for communication and collaboration, championing a culture that was focused on teaching and learning, as well as promoting social-emotional well-being, and health and wellness both in and out the classroom. The Board of Education thanks her again for her work."

The district's associate superintendent will handle the role until the Board appoints someone new.