Story last updated Oct. 4, 10:12 a.m.
The Santa Clara County Board of Education, in a 4-2 vote, Wednesday to terminate County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. In a closed session meeting, Trustees Maimona Afzal Berta, Joseph Di Salvo, Grace Mah and Don Rocha voted in favor of firing Dewan while Victoria Chon and Tara Sreekrishnan voted no. Trustee Raeena Lari is the only who abstained.
The termination without cause was not included as an action item on the meeting agenda, according to a Thursday press release.
Dewan, a longtime Los Altos resident, has served in education for 37 years. She has served as the county superintendent since 2018 and was the former deputy superintendent for five years prior. In her role, she was the administrator of the County Board of Education, providing them updates on her duties, advising board members with their decisions and setting education goals and policies.
According to her biography, she advocated for early learning services, health and education. She also set out to serve underserved communities and vulnerable youth. Dewan connected to community members on her social media page through the monthly Superintendent’s Monthly minutes, informing the public of the latest issues in the district and news prevalent to them.
“It has been a complete honor and privilege to serve Santa Clara County, its schools, community, staff and students,” Dewan was quoted in the press release. “I have dedicated my life to service of our community and hold the work of the County Office of Education in high esteem. I am incredibly proud of all we have done together to advance equity, inclusion, diversity and partnership.”
Dewan was recently recognized by the Association of Educational Service Agencies, a professional organization that oversees 553 education agencies nationwide, with the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award. Her award was based on the advancement of goals and philosophies of educational service agencies, outstanding accomplishments and innovative practices, the exercise of leadership and providing service to the academic community.
In a Friday press release, the board is now in the process of finding a new superintendent. Associate Superintendent Dr. Jessica Bondorius will fill the role as interim superintendent once the position has been filled. The Board will provide updates in the next weeks in regards to search.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
