In a closed session, the Culver City Unified School Board and Superintendent Quoc Tran agreed to a separation agreement, effective August 15, 2023. Voting yes were trustees Triston Ezidore, Brian Guerrero and Stephanie Loredo. Board President Paula Amezola and trustee Dr. Kelly Kent voted no.
As the dismissal of any CCUSD employee is a personnel matter, there are legal requirements in regard to privacy. The matter was first agendized at the August 8, 2023 school board meeting, and was voted on at the next meeting.
Dr. Kelly Kent offered that her dissent had multiple factors. “The number one need, voiced unanimously by students, staff and community alike, is updating our brick and mortar infrastructure… this separation will negatively impact our chances of getting a sorely needed facilities bond measure passed, further delaying by [at least] two years our ability to make capital improvements to school buildings. CCUSD is not a district that can spare nearly a half million dollars, including the buyout, legal fees, interim salaries and the cost of a permanent superintendent search. This money will come directly out of funds for staff salaries and building maintenance.”
Beyond the district’s official press release from President Amezola, no other board members have made comments available. Those who were contacted by Culver City Crossroads noted that it was a matter for the district’s personnel office.
Judith Martin-Straw
