The recent firing of Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan has sparked widespread controversy and demands for transparency. Dewan, who had served in the role since 2018, was abruptly terminated during a closed-door meeting of the Santa Clara County Board of Education on Wednesday night. In a 4-2 vote, with one trustee abstaining, the board made the decision to remove Dewan without cause, meaning no specific reason for her dismissal was provided.
Dewan had held various leadership roles within the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) since 2013, including chief schools officer, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent before officially becoming superintendent. Her leadership, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, earned her significant support from many in the community, including teachers and parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXKn5s1DW1g
The decision to terminate Dewan has been met with strong opposition. Trustee Tara Sreekrishnan, who voted against the termination, criticized the decision as lacking transparency, calling it a “poor judgment” and a “political stunt.” She also noted that the public was not adequately involved in the decision-making process, leading to frustration and protests. Sreekrishnan is now calling for a public hearing to shed more light on the situation.
Community members, teachers, and former board members have voiced their dissatisfaction with Dewan’s ousting. Supporters of Dewan have lauded her for her visionary leadership, noting her efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. Some have speculated that the decision to terminate her may have been politically motivated, particularly with three of the four board members who voted for her removal either up for re-election or not seeking another term.
Despite the support, Dewan’s tenure was not without controversy. She faced criticism for her handling of special education programs, with some parents expressing dissatisfaction over school closures and resource allocation for special needs students. However, the lack of a clear explanation for her firing has left many questioning the board’s motivations.
A rally organized by Dewan’s supporters is scheduled for Friday, demanding answers and greater transparency from the board. The community remains divided, and a public hearing may soon follow to address the concerns surrounding Dewan’s abrupt removal.
There’s something fishy going on here…
