By a unanimous decision Nov. 15, the governing board for the Santa Clara County Office of Education appointed Mary Ann Dewan as the Interim Superintendent until they can decide on a permanent replacement.
The move is effective immediately, according to SCCOE’s Nov. 15 press release.
Dewan joined the County Office in October 2013, serving as Chief Schools Officer and then Deputy Superintendent since July 2015. She replaces former Superintendent Jon Gundry, who reached a separation agreement—which included a $150,000-plus severance package—with the county board Nov. 8 and served his last day Nov. 15.
“I’m honored to serve as County Interim Superintendent and am grateful for the board’s support and trust,” Dewan said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated SCCOE staff, district leaders and community partners to continue our important work of supporting students, schools, districts and communities.”
The board is negotiating her interim salary, which is expected to be finalized for the Dec. 13, according to county staff. Dewan currently makes $257,981.
The seven-member county board, which includes former Morgan Hill Unified School District Trustee Claudia Rossi, were all in favor of Dewan’s promotion at the Nov. 15 meeting.
“The board will now turn its attention to filling the position permanently with the goal of having a new superintendent in place by July 1, 2018,” said Board President Michael Chang. “As we move through this process, we will be communicating regularly with our stakeholders to ensure that everyone is informed and aware of our progress.”
In his negotiated settlement, Gundry took $150,893 in severance, which equates to six months’ worth of salary. He had more than two years remaining on his contract that had been renewed in 2016, after originally coming aboard in July 2014. Gundry previously served as the Superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District.
Dewan earned her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Indiana State University. She received a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Elementary Education from Butler University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in special education, from Marian University.
She takes over the top spot at the SCCOE, a regional service agency that provides instructional and business services to the 31 school districts within the county. The County Office also serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education and Opportunity Youth Academy. In addition, it provides curriculum support, staff development and technology support and training directly to teachers and staff in schools countywide.
