Santa Clara County’s top education leader has been fired

After enduring multiple attempts to get rid of her, Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan was fired during a late-night meeting this week.

The county Board of Education Board of Trustees voted 4-2 behind closed doors Wednesday to remove Dewan. The lawsuit terminates Dewan’s contract “without cause upon 30 days’ written notice.”

Board President Maimona Afzal Berta said Assistant Superintendent Jessica Bondorius will assume Dewan’s duties until a replacement is found. Dewan has officially been placed on leave and will receive severance pay.

Dewan was first appointed to the board in 2018 and faced a possible ouster during a closed meeting in February.

Dewan, education columnist at San Jose Spotlight, did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite the decision, Berta praised Dewan’s efforts to focus on student learning during her tenure.

“Superintendent Dewan has placed great emphasis on developing systems for communication and collaboration and is committed to a culture focused on teaching and learning and the promotion of social-emotional well-being and health and well-being both within and outside of the classroom Classroom focused,” Berta said in a statement Thursday. “In the interest of transparency and informing the public, the board will provide further information on the schedule and engagement opportunities in the coming weeks.”

This story will be updated.