In a significant upheaval within San Diego's educational circles, the San Diego Unified School Board has dismissed Superintendent Lamont Jackson following an investigation that confirmed misconduct allegations involving female staff members, as per Voice of San Diego. The board's decisive unanimous vote came after receiving the investigation results, which determined Jackson "more likely than not," "engaged in unwelcome, sex-based behavior," against two former employees. However, some allegations lacked enough evidence for substantiation.
The investigation report also mentioned other unresolved accusations, including that Jackson allegedly made sexual advances towards the same former employees—advances they resisted. It was claimed that their subsequent terminations were retaliation for the rebuff. The investigation launched into the situation stems from earlier reports by the Voice of San Diego in May, detailing the district's retention of an external law firm to look into the superintendent's conduct, leading to the current findings and subsequent action by the board. Additional complaints touched on allegations that Jackson promoted women with whom he had sexual relationships and that he partook in "offensive and sexually-charged behavior".
The board expressed gratitude for Jackson's leadership amidst these challenging revelations but affirmed that a mutual agreement for separation from the district had been reached. This update was accompanied by the announcement that Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula would step into the interim leadership role, as detailed in a board statement published on the district's official website. Dr. Bagula, having a solid history with the district and a role as senior director of the Equity Department at the San Diego County Office of Education, appears well-positioned to offer "stability and consistency" during this transition period.
Despite the severance, Jackson's dismissal does not absolve the district from financial obligations. According to his contract, San Diego Unified is slated to continue paying his handsome $433,125 annual salary and benefits for the next six months. This payout aligns with the 'without cause' termination clause, Jackson having initially been appointed interim superintendent in the wake of Cindy Marten's 2022 departure to a federal role and later confirmed to his post in March 2022. Despite the recent raise and continued compensation, the district's efforts to maintain an accountable and transparent reputation remain, with Board President Shana Hazan refraining from detailing whether there would be a search for a new superintendent, per the Voice of San Diego statement.
