After surviving multiple previous attempts, Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan was fired this week following a late-night meeting of the county’s Board of Education Trustees. In a 4-2 vote held behind closed doors on Wednesday, the board terminated Dewan’s contract “without cause upon 30 days written notice.” Associate Superintendent Jessica Bondorius will assume Dewan’s responsibilities until a permanent replacement is found.
Board President Maimona Afzal Berta and trustees Don Rocha, Joseph Di Salvo, and Grace Mah voted to oust Dewan, while trustees Tara Sreekrishnan and Victoria Chon opposed the decision, and Raeena Lari abstained.
Dewan, who was appointed in 2018, faced a prior attempt to remove her in February. In a statement following the decision, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the county and pride in her work advancing equity, inclusion, and student success. Dewan did not provide further comments, but public records show she earned over $300,000 annually.
Despite the termination, Berta praised Dewan’s focus on student learning, communication, and social-emotional well-being. However, Sreekrishnan criticized the decision, calling it inappropriate and harmful to the county’s most vulnerable students. She also highlighted that the move prompted staff to walk out in protest and has called for a public hearing to address concerns from the community.
Ken Yeager, a retired county supervisor, expressed his disappointment, stating that the public deserves an explanation, especially given Dewan’s strong reputation. He suggested that the board should have waited until after the November election to make such a significant decision.
Dewan had faced criticism in recent years regarding workplace safety for special education teachers, with union leaders citing preventable injuries and a top-heavy administrative structure. However, SEIU Local 521 President Mullissa Willette expressed shock at Dewan’s firing and reiterated the union’s commitment to working with the trustees and administrators to address ongoing challenges and secure a good contract for workers.
The board has promised further transparency and public engagement in the coming weeks.
