2020-2021 San Joaquin County Grand Jury Releases Report on SUSD Board of Trustees
On July 21, 2021, the San Joaquin County 2020–2021 Civil Grand Jury released its report investigating the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) Board of Trustees. The most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to recruit, hire, and retain a superintendent to lead the district with a long-range vision for programs and activities focused on the achievement and well-being of all students.
The 2020–2021 Grand Jury received numerous complaints regarding dysfunction within the SUSD Board of Trustees. Media accounts also described conflicts within the district, particularly among board members. After reviewing these complaints and reports, the Grand Jury opened an investigation.
In conducting its investigation, the Grand Jury completed 37 interviews, performed on-site visits, and reviewed relevant materials to determine the underlying causes of administrative dysfunction. Over the past 15 years, SUSD has experienced frequent turnover in the superintendent position, making it difficult for sustained changes aimed at improving student achievement to take effect. The Grand Jury found that Trustees misunderstood or disregarded their roles and responsibilities, failed to follow best hiring practices, violated governance norms, and lacked transparency and public accessibility.
The report further found that personal conflicts among board members contributed to instability and that frequent superintendent turnover created opportunities for inappropriate conduct and actions exceeding the limits of trustee authority.
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Trustees publicly and formally affirm their commitment to change, adhere to established governance standards, and ensure transparency and accountability to the public.
The public is encouraged to read the complete report by visiting the Grand Jury’s website.
2020–2021 San Joaquin County Grand Jury Releases Report on SUSD Board of Trustees (PDF)