The State Board of Education made history last week when, for the first time, it took over two school districts for academic and leadership failures.
One of them, Alisal Union School District in Salinas, was led by none other than Esperanza Zendejas, who you may recall spent two tumultuous years as superintendent of San Jose's East Side Union High School District. She was forced out in 2005, taking with her a $337,000 severance. (And leaving behind her hand-picked personnel director, Bob Nuñez, who succeeded her as superintendent — and recently was forced out himself for alleged financial shenanigans.)
Safe to say, controversy has continued to trail Zendejas. Two of Alisal's campuses made the state's worst-schools list, and pink slips were recently handed out to all principals.
In addition, the Alisal board has been charged with intimidation, police have been called to board meetings, and trustees have been accused of micromanaging the district. An Alisal board member was recalled in August, and