City College of San Francisco’s chancellor announced Thursday morning he would not seek to renew his contract for the next school year, just weeks before a team of evaluators visit the campus as part of a review for retaining its accreditation.
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“I have chosen not to seek an extension of my current contract, serving as chancellor, which concludes on June 30, 2024,” Chancellor David Martin said in an email to the college community. “My intention in sharing this with you now is to ensure the college and board have ample time to plan and prepare accordingly.”
Board of Trustees President Alan Wong said whoever takes over for Martin will have “enormous shoes to fill.”
“Chancellor Martin provided our college with leadership when the college was faced with a rough patch,” Wong said in a statement. “He helped provide steady leadership to the college when we needed it most. I understand that he is exploring new opportunities and I wish him the best.”
Martin’s time as chancellor has not been without controversy. Last year, he laid off employees from the service workers union and teachers union, causing significant unrest. Teachers camped out on campus and blocked traffic in protest of the cuts.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has had the college on “enhanced monitoring” over its troubled finances for three years, opening its accreditation to sanctions. But no sanctions were issued.
Representatives of the ACCJC are set to visit the campus in early October for three days. The results of their review will be released in January.
The college is locked in negotiations with the American Federation of Teachers 2121 over a new contract. The state found the college was failing to provide the union with relevant and necessary information and failing to bargain in good faith.
“Our students deserve a chancellor who is committed to growing our college, treating its employees fairly and sticking with the vital task of fulfilling our mission as San Francisco’s largest and most accessible source for degrees, high quality jobs and hope, “ said union President Mary Bravewoman in an announcement on Thursday. “We’re confident that with our current board, we can hire such a chancellor.”
The college’s next Board of Trustees meeting is Sept. 28.
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
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