City College's Board of Trustees did not appoint Carlos Cortez as the school's new permanent chancellor.
The SFMTA is moving forward with quick-build upgrades to improve safety and reliability along the light rail line.
The former chancellor of San Diego's huge community college system is expected to be appointed Thursday.
Update: City College's Board of Trustees did not ratify a contract for Cortez at its May 29 Meeting.
City College of San Francisco officials are expected to appoint Carlos Cortez as the school's next permanent chancellor on Thursday.
The eleventh chancellor since the college was rocked by an accreditation crisis in 2012, Cortez, 50, is expected to stabilize the school's finances and increase the number of students served.
“Cortez has a proven track record of success in academic innovation, fundraising, student success and community engagement," Anita Martinez, the college board president, said in a statement. "As a former City College ESL teacher, I am excited about the commitment he has to student success and to programs for new Americans, noncredit workforce development and older adults
classes.”
Cortez's three-year contract includes a $350,000 annual salary.
“I pledge to work diligently to create the conditions necessary for all stakeholders to thrive," Cortez said in a statement. "I am aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for CCSF. I believe the college is uniquely positioned to embark on a renaissance. The future is bright for CCSF.”
Cortez most recently served as the chancellor of San Diego Community College District, one of the largest community college systems in the nation, with a budget of $1 billion. He was the first chancellor in the state's community college system to identify as queer and nonbinary, according to the Bay Area Reporter.
The San Francisco Chronicle revealed on May 22 that Cortez was forced to cancel his welcoming celebration as San Diego Community College District's chancellor because it included a speech by author Alice Walker, who has been accused of antisemitism for years. The matter continued when Cortez blocked a faculty member on X (formerly Twitter) who was critical of the Walker incident, a First Amendment issue. Also, Cortez was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida last year. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving. Cortez told the Chronicle that medication played a role in the incident.
American Federation of Teachers Local 2121, the college's faculty union, supports Cortez, who worked as a teacher during his career.
"We are pleased that this process is over, and are heartened that the board [of trustees] has selected a lifelong educator and experienced chief executive to lead CCSF," the union said in a statement.
The union went on to criticize the Chronicle's coverage of the chancellor hiring process as "misleading and negative" for its characterization of the union's desire for the college to spend more on growth.
"Contrary to what was reported, AFT 2121 never called for the college to dip into its reserves," the union stated. "That such a narrative was fabricated raises troubling questions. It is time to move past the era of hyper-politicized battles that put partisanship ahead of students."
Cortez is expected to take over leadership of the college from interim Chancellor Mitch Bailey on July 1.
City College's Board of Trustees did not appoint Carlos Cortez as the school's new permanent chancellor.
The SFMTA is moving forward with quick-build upgrades to improve safety and reliability along the light rail line.
Student Summer Wahab and college fundraiser Debra Morgan Dooley also spoke during the ceremony.
The 22-year veteran focuses on developing community solidarity and increasing the number of women on the force.
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