After Acting Superintendent Martinez claims board failed to communicate with him, withdrew name from consideration

Dr. Matt Wayne has doctorate in Education, two Masters degrees in English Education and Education in Public School Administration, is fluent in Spanish; contract is for 6 months at $1,500 per weekday

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting on Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025, the Antioch School Board hired the former embattled San Francisco Unified School District superintendent for the interim position. Dr. Matthew R. Wayne faced opposition from the City’s then-Mayor London Breed and the public over his school closure plan.

After returning from Closed Session during which the board took no reportable action, they heard from three executive search firms on the hiring of a permanent superintendent. They then returned to Closed session and at 4:53 p.m. Boad Chair and District 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez called the meeting back to open session. He said, “We do have a reportable action from Closed Session, the board voted in a vote of 4-1, with President Hernandez, Vice President Rocha, Trustee Colbos-Smith and Trustee Brown voting ‘yes’ and Trustee Dr. Lathan voting ‘no” to see, to appoint Matt Wayne as the interim superintendent for the Antioch Unified School District.” (See 3:54:00 mark of the meeting video)

His contract is for six months, and he will be paid $1,500 per weekday.

The board’s action followed the request by then-Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez to return to his position as the District’s Human Resources Office after Hernandez withdrew the item from their Dec. 18, 2024, board meeting agenda. The district official issued a letter to the community on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 explaining his decision:

Dear Antioch Unified School District School Community,

It has been an honor and privilege to have served the students, staff, and broader Antioch Unified School District Community as “Acting Superintendent” and Chief Human Resources Officer since May of 2024. During my tenure as “Acting Superintendent”, I was able to confirm thousands of students with their High School Diplomas, welcome back over 15,000 students to our schools and programs in the fall of 2024, and I was able to initiate and oversee the Governing Board’s selection of McPherson and Jacobson as the search firm to assist the District with finding a long-term superintendent. I have also continued to oversee and manage both the Classified and Certificated Human Resources Departments as we have strived to fill many positions in the District. One of my primary focus areas has been to ensure that all our scholars were able to attend school every day in educational environments where they are welcomed, feel safe and secure, and where they can continue to excel in their academic and developmental pursuits and grow in peace.

“In December of 2024, I strongly urged the Antioch Unified School District Governing Board to formally place me into the Interim Superintendent position for the remainder of this academic year. However, the Board chose to not formally appoint me into that position, and pulled the agenda item from the December 18, 2024, Board meeting without any formal public discussion. Since that time, after numerous attempts to communicate with the Board, with minimal returned responses, or limited direct communication from the Board members, I decided that the Antioch School Community might be better served if I were to step back into my Human Resources role alone, and away from the ‘Acting Superintendent’ position.

“The betterment of the school community and how our scholars are impacted on a daily basis has and will always be my main focus, and it is with this thought in mind that I hope that the new Interim Superintendent will have more success with communicating with the Board, receiving clear direction and goals from the Board, and in receiving input from the Board with regards to the difficult budget decisions that lay ahead. Hence, I advised the Board on January 10, 2025, that effective on February 1, 2025, I would return solely to my initial contractual position as the District’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

“On Friday, January 24, 2025, the AUSD Governing Board announced that they would be appointing Mr. Matthew Wayne as Interim Superintendent. It is anticipated that a formal contract for Mr. Wayne will be presented to the Board for review and potential approval at the January 29, 2025, Governing Board Meeting.

“Respectfully submitted, with care for students, and thoughtful consideration of all,

Dr. Robert A. Martinez,
Acting Superintendent / Chief Human Resources Officer
Antioch Unified School District”

Controversy Surrounding Wayne

According to an October 17, 2024, report by Mission Local, Wayne agreed to resign due to his controversial “school closure and consolidation plan. The long-running mishandling of this effort — culminating in Wayne releasing a list of potential school closures and transfer sites on Oct. 8 that differed from what the mayor’s office, her school stabilization team and the Board of Education anticipated he’d release — appears to have been the final straw that will curtail Wayne’s two-year tenure. He has two years remaining on his contract.”

The news report further offered, “Mayor London Breed…called for an immediate halt to the closure plan, and expressed a loss of confidence in the superintendent. That sentiment was, demonstrably, shared by the Board of Education — and parents and students at schools slated for closure.”

According to an SFGate news report, “Wayne inherited the district in a chaotic state, including troubling payroll system issues, a massive budget deficit, teacher recruitment and retention challenges, and a declining number of students. Since taking the superintendent role, Wayne has been accused of poor management, as the district’s issues have only gotten worse.”

In his message to the “SFUSD Community” on Oct. 18, 2024, Wayne wrote, “I am writing to share the difficult decision to leave the San Francisco Unified School District as of October 18, 2024. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served SFUSD and proud of all that has been accomplished during my almost two-and-a-half years leading the District.

“I am an educator first and foremost. During the last two years under my leadership, the District has established clear outcomes for student learning, implemented districtwide standards-based assessments, adopted a new literacy curriculum, expanded instructional coaching to all elementary schools, is piloting a new math curriculum, now offers Algebra in the 8th grade, and has expanded career pathway opportunities, reduced chronic absenteeism and increased early literacy rates, particularly for African-American and Pacific Islander students.

“With a new Board of Education being seated soon as well as our ongoing significant fiscal issues, I believe the time is right for new leadership in the District. From day one, every decision I have made has been to benefit the students, families, and staff of SFUSD, including this one. I appreciate the opportunity to have served this community during such challenging times.”

About Dr. Wayne

According to a San Francisco Standard news report and information from his LinkedIn profile, Wayne began his position with SFUSD in July 2022. Prior to that role he had served as superintendent of the Hayward Unified School District.

According to Transparent California, his total pay with benefits in 2019 was more than $333,000 but in 2022 it was a little over $230,000. Wayne’s total pay and benefits in 2023 was over $417,300.

According to a May 25, 2022, SFUSD press release, he worked as the HUSD superintendent for six years and, “served as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services in the district. Prior to his tenure in Hayward, Dr. Wayne was an Executive Director of Elementary Schools in SFUSD for two years.” At that time, HUSD had 18,000 students enrolled.

He “is fluent in Spanish, began as an English Language Arts teacher in 1997 at The Riis Upper School at PS 126 in New York City. In addition to serving five years as a teacher in New York City, Dr. Wayne served as an assistant principal and an elementary principal in West Contra Costa USD in San Pablo, CA before beginning his role as Executive Director in SFUSD in 2010.”

Finally, the press release shared, “Dr. Wayne earned an undergraduate degree in rhetoric and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley. He also earned a Masters of Arts in English Education and a Masters of Education in Public School Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.” He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric from U.C. Berkeley in 1995.

According to SFUSD, it “is the seventh largest school district in California, educating over 52,000 PreK-12 students every year.”

From 2011 to 2015, Wayne worked as “A lecturer in UC Berkeley’s Leadership for Educational Equity Program, supporting doctoral students in their development of their dissertation topics.”

Trustees Explain Process

When reached for comment about the appointment process of the new interim superintendent and not appointing Martinez, Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha said, “What he says is that he was on the agenda to be appointed all the way to the end of the school year. There was a change of interest which is why it was pulled. It went forward to consider other candidates, so we would have choices.”

Asked if what Martinez said about the lack of communication from the Board, Rocha responded, “That was up to the chair. It’s the chair’s responsibility to be the contact person. The chair is also the contact person for the attorney. It’s always been that way. He’s the spokesperson.”

“The attorney brought it to the chair, Antonio reviewed them and of the five candidates, we were given a couple of people to review that he brought to us before the meeting. During the review we interviewed the two candidates, and we settled on Mr. Wayne. We were supposed to see all five,” she added. “The other trustees seemed to know about the other three candidates.”

However, when reached for comment Area 4 Trustee Olga Colbos-Smith refuted that responding with, “As you know, it is inappropriate to discuss closed session. But what I can tell you is we all were given the same information to review. After reviewing all five of the candidates’ CV’s (curriculum vitaes or resumes) and interviewing Dr. Wayne, I am fully committed to my affirmative vote.”

An effort to reach Area 2 Trustee Dr. Lathan asking why she voted against Wayne was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Promoted from Economic Development Director

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott announced Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, that Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, a former interim city manager, has been appointed as the new Assistant City Manager, calling him “a dynamic and proven leader”.

“Many in our community are already familiar with Kwame Reed in his roles as Acting City Manager and Economic Development Director. Kwame has a proven track record of success and understands the dynamics of our city,” said City Manager Scott. “Our city is fortunate to have Kwame serve in this new role to help us achieve new milestones and lead us into the future.”

In a press release the city manager wrote, “In this critical role, Reed will work closely with the City Manager and City department heads to promote and advocate for economic growth, innovation and public safety. Reed brings more than 29 years of leadership and operational experience across local and regional government agencies.

“As Acting City Manager for the City of Antioch, Reed oversaw a $147 million budget and led a team of more than 300 employees across nine departments. He selected the Acting and Interim Police Chiefs for the Antioch Police Department in 2023-24 and worked closely with state officials to obtain assistance from the California Highway Patrol to enhance public safety efforts.

“As Economic Development Director, Reed established the Reinvest Antioch Action Plan and distributed small business grants and resources to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to excel in both roles, highlights his expertise in project management and his capacity to lead teams while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

“Born and raised in the East Bay area, Reed has deep-rooted connections to the community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he takes great pride in his personal life. He has been happily married for 27 years and is the proud father of three wonderful children.”

When reached for comment about his new position Reed said, “I am truly excited, honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Antioch community and supporting the organization as Assistant City Manager.”

According to Scott, his compensation includes a $240,000 annual salary plus benefits. While Reed was promoted from within the ranks of City staff, Scott said she will conduct a nationwide search for the other department head positions, including Public Works Director-City Engineer and Community Development Director, and now, Economic Development Director.

“But, first will be a new police chief,” Scott added.

According to his LinkedIn profile, prior to working for the City of Antioch, Reed worked as a Senior Analyst for the City of Brentwood from Nov. 2004 through June 2018, Associate Planner for the City of Oakley from July 2002 through August 2004 and as a Planner for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission/ACE Train from July 1999 through July 2002.

He earned a B.S. degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning in 1995 from Cal Poly State University-San Luis Obispo and while there was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Local former city officials offer their memories of the advocate for pets

“Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.” – former Antioch Mayor and councilman-elect Don Freitas

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Friends of Animal Services is mourning the passing of its founder, Barbara Sobalvarro, today. In a post on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, they wrote, “It is with great sorrow we share with you the passing of our Founder, Honorary President and Cherished Friend, Barbara Sobalvarro.

Barbara’s remarkable legacy leaves an enduring impact on our hearts and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the community and the cherished animals she devoted her life to saving.

‘Seldom does a heart feel better, than when you save the life of one of our animal friends’
Barbara Sobalvarro

Aug 18, 1941- Nov 6, 2024

We’ll share more about Barbara in the coming days. As you can imagine, we need some time to process this profound and unexpected loss.

Please consider saving a life at Antioch Animal Services in her memory………”

Founded in 1979 following the passage of the City’s advisory measure in 1978, in which “the citizens of Antioch voted overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining a local animal services program and became unique in Contra Costa County in this regard. Soon after this election, the Friends of Animal Services was formed for the express purpose of guaranteeing the people of Antioch a humane and comprehensive Animal Services program with an emphasis on a quality Animal Shelter and maximum responsible adoptions of animals,” according to the group’s website.

As a result, Antioch is the only city of the 19 in the county to operate its own animal shelter.

“From its political beginnings, the Friends has enriched the Animal Services program for nearly twenty years through fund-raising, education, volunteer efforts, community events, and even beautification of the shelter and its surrounding grounds and—of course, through its continuing monitoring of local government!” said Sobalvarro about her organization.

It became a powerful organization that successfully blocked efforts to cut the budget for and close the Antioch Animal Services and shelter and give the responsibility back to the County.

Former Antioch Mayor, and recently elected District 3 council candidate, Don Freitas, a long-time friend of Sobalvarro and supporter said, “Barbara was an extraordinary advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She was able to politically weaponize the support of many in the community. She was a power to reckon with.”

“One of her biggest focuses was the successful creation of the Antioch Animal Services and shelter,” he added. “I’m actually kind of shocked. She was such a part of Antioch for the past three decades, it’s hard to believe she has passed. Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.”

About Sobalvarro former Mayor Joel Keller said, “She was a dedicated community member who loved animals and worked hard to ensure their safety and well-being.”

About the animal shelter he said, “We did put a funding stream toward it,” referring to three percent of the City’s 10 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel and motel stays in Antioch.

Former Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Manny Soliz also offered his thoughts on Sobalvarro’s passing. “This is a great loss for Animal Services and me personally,” he shared. “I had a long, personal relationship with her and her late husband Estuardo. I’m very sad, but grateful for having been friends with her.”

Learn more about Antioch Friends of Animal Services on their website.

Sobalvarro was also a piano teacher and could be seen performing her music at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center during brunch on Sundays, and at other events in the community.

UPDATE 2: City manager says it’s not a private event.

UPDATE 3: “The purpose for the…Award is to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across American that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours over their lifetime.”

By Allen D. Payton

The former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Daniel Sohn, is being recognized by President Joe Biden for a 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award. A community celebration in Sohn’s honor will be hosted by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe on Thursday, Oct. 17 beginning at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street.

Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

Sohn was the staff leader for the Antioch Chamber from May 2022 until March of this year.

UPDATE 1: Asked why he’s being honored Sohn said, “While I did indeed serve as a paid CEO, my contributions went beyond work hours to support our local community. I dedicated time as a volunteer to many of our nonprofit chamber members, and I believe that’s what this award truly recognizes. Much of my volunteer work paralleled my efforts at the Chamber, as I’ve always believed that supporting local organizations is good for business. That’s why I advocated for the Chamber Board to create the Nonprofit Council – to encourage businesses to give back to the communities that support them. In fact, this is something I have done at each chamber where I’ve been privileged to serve.”

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but think it is important to note that I’m also just one of many Americans being recognized with the award this year,” he continued. “The award encourages communities to host local celebrations to acknowledge the positive work happening across the country, and Antioch is just one of many places holding such an event.”

About the Award

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

Sohn’s Background

According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a former City Councilman for Haverhill, Florida, a Certified Tourism Ambassador, Certified Human Rights and DEI Consultant, Lobbyist and Civics Champion.

Sohn was also nominated by Gov. Newsom and appointed by Director of Selective Service in the name of President Joe Biden to represent California as a local board member of the Selective Service System from October 2021 to June 2024. Since July 2017 he has worked as the Managing Partner & Senior Lobbyist for the Floridian Group, LLC doing business as Pacific Partners.

UPDATE 2: Following concerns from the public about the use of the Council Chambers for a private event, questions were sent to City Manager Bessie Scott, City Attorney Thomas and the mayor asking if the room is rented out for other private events. Scott responded, “To the best of my knowledge this event is not a private event, thus anyone can attend.”

UPDATE 3: During the ceremony, the mayor shared more about the award saying, “The current program…was created by President George W. Bush in 2002. He made this program known during his State of the Union Address.

In January 2003, President Bush created an executive order that the created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The council was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States…to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping. The award can be granted to individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States. The purpose…is to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across American that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours over their lifetime.”

Sohn was presented with Certificates of Recognition from representatives of Assemblyman Tim Grayson and Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis. He then thanked leaders of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and management staff of Tre Vista Senior Living in Antioch.

Sohn was then presented by Hernandez-Thorpe with the framed letter from President Biden and certificate showing he is a recipient of the Bronze Service Award for 100 to 249 hours of volunteer work.

For two-year term, an assistant city department head from Seattle, with no experience as city manager or assistant city manager

“Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else” – Antioch City Manager candidate finalist Bessie Marie Scott on Facebook

“We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council…There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.” – Councilman Mike Barbanica

By Allen D. Payton

With just 70 days to go before the election, during their meeting on Tuesday night, August 27, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider voting to hire a new city manager, and without first introducing the candidate to the public. After violating the state Brown Act open meeting law by first, discussing then, voting to direct staff to hire the executive search firm during Closed Session earlier this year, according to an attorney with the First Amendment Coalition, the city council interviewed fewer than 10 candidates for the position following a nationwide search.

City Manager Candidate Bessie Marie Scott

According to the city staff report for the agenda item, #9, the council’s candidate of choice for city manager is Bessie M. Scott who has not previously worked as a city manager or assistant city manager for any other city. According to both the report and her LinkedIn profile, she is currently the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety for the City of Seattle, Washington and has served in the position since April 2023.

Before being chosen as the finalist, she, along with other applicants, were introduced to the City’s department heads, according to District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica.

According to the department’s website, “The City of Seattle Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established to ‘help ensure the fairness and integrity of the police system as a whole in its delivery of law enforcement services by providing civilian auditing of the management, practices, and policies of the [Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Office of Police Accountability (OPA)] and oversee ongoing fidelity to organizational reforms implemented pursuant to the goals of the 2012 federal Consent Decree in United States of America v. City of Seattle, 12 Civ. 1282(JLR).’”

Prior to her current position, Scott worked for a little over three years for the Public Defender Association in Seattle, first as Chief of Staff then as Co-Executive Director of Operations. Prior to that, for a little over two years, Scott worked for the Seattle Community Police Commission, first as Policy Director then as Interim Executive Director. Her longest tenure was for six-and-a-half years for the Seattle Housing Authority where she worked, first, as the Senior Paralegal and Public Records Officer in the Legal Department. That was followed by a position as Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Policy & Strategic Initiatives, then finally as Strategic Advisor for Rental Assistance Programs.

The staff report also shares, “She has public sector experience in various areas such as public safety, housing programs and municipal policy administration. In her current role, she ensures consistent policy interpretation across all functions of public safety, including Audits, Investigations, Policy and Standards and Compliance.

Accomplishments

More specifically, according to the city staff report, “Some of her career accomplishments include: Managed a Home from School Program, which was a pilot initiative that paired a Housing Choice Voucher with a family experiencing homelessness and living in a shelter near a school in Seattle. The program was a success and housed over 250 families in the first year.” She also “Managed a grant funded Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) Statewide Fair Housing Test Program.”

The proposed agreement does not yet include salary and benefit amounts as those will be finalized during negotiations at the Closed Session meeting on Tuesday night.

Honors

Scott was honored with the 2021 Changemaker of the Year Award from Voices & Visions, University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, in February 2021. The announcement on the college’s website for this year’s honorees and celebration, shares details about the award offers three phrases, Collective Wisdom, Brave Leadership and Rigorous Action. The description reads, “Amid the turbulence and challenges we see day-to-day, join us to celebrate leaders catalyzing positive change in our communities and public systems.  This moment calls for courageous leadership and rigorous action. Join us for an evening of discussion, discovery, and community.  Your participation helps raise critical funds to support the mission of the Evans School, fueling our ability to inspire public service and democratize public policy.”

Education

Scott earned an Executive Master of Public Administration – EMPA in 2020 from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington and took a Public Policy Analysis course in 2003 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She earned her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Law and Society/ Philosophy, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice/ Ethics and Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara in 2003.

If hired, Scott will be the City’s first African American female city manager.

Scott’s Controversial Social Media Posts

But the prospective city manager’s social media posts and comments are already causing a stir, as some of them include racially charged comments by Scott dating back to 2018 and more recently, advocacy for such matters as a “Free Palestine”.

X/Twitter Posts and Comments

In a reply to a Twitter/X post on Aug. 30, 2018, by Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, which reads, “Our nation is in trouble—and it’s because we have taken God out of everything. Follow if you agree,” Scott wrote on Oct. 5, 2018, “Please stop. You abandoned God a long time ago by supporting racists and bigots who help you preserve your whiteness. Stop using GOD to justify your ugly ways. See you in hell!”

A post on her Twitter/X account (https://x.com/bethalightmarie) on June 3, 2019, she wrote, “I’ve never hated a character @FelicityHuffman more. Life imitates…that white women are the problem…in real life. Because also who raises white men? #Beckydoes #thatswho #whitewomendobetter #ShameOnYou #CentralParkFive #reidtechnique #f—kkktrump (redacted by the Herald) @realDonaldTrump.”

In a February 16, 2020, post, in response to another post Scott wrote, “White parents just don’t know/care about what we go through worrying about our children being treated any kind of way due to their skin color. Sad. Infruriating. Unfair” and the word America with “kkk” in the middle as “amerikkka”.

A post on Jan. 6, 2021, reads, “You know what’s standing out to me more than these clever memes about today? The White silence on my timeline. #Allies What say you? I need some #Reparations #AccountabilityNow.”  

Facebook Posts and Comments

A post on March 31, 2019, on Scott’s personal Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bmariescott) of an article entitled, “What Happens When Poor Kids Are Taught Society Is Fair,” she wrote, “Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else and is upheld by systemic and institutional racism which is codified in law, carried out through disparate policy implementation and enforced and upheld by a justice system that acts as a gatekeeper for the halls of power. These are indisputable facts. Convince me otherwise, I’ll wait.” #spotthewhitelie #callitbyitsname #racism

In a July 4, 2019, Facebook post writing, “Siiiiigh” in response to an article entitled, “How to Celebrate the 4th of July When America is a Constant Disappointment” with the sub-headline which reads, “If you feel like patriotism is morally repugnant right now, you’d be correct.”

In a Facebook post on July 5, 2019, of an article with a list of “15 Books Every American Needs to Read to Get the Full Story of Our Nation which included, “Transgender History – The Roots of Today’s Revolution” she wrote, “Some light Summer reading”.

A June 6, 2022, she posted on Facebook about being “the angry black woman”, “To [sic] many times to count.”

One of her more recent and innocuous posts was on Dec. 31, 2023, and reads: “The aftermath. 2023. Feeling so blessed and incredibly grateful to my tribe. My camera roll is wild- so much good stuff! Going forward into 2024 with a humble spirit and a full heart knowing that there is much work to be done if we are to be in our humanity. Free people read freely. Oppression is the root cause of conflict. Everyone should have access to housing and healthcare. Water rights for all. Free Palestine.

And the list goes on. I hope we all love harder in 2024. Happy New Year to you!”

Only Barbanica Responds to Questions for City Council Members

All five councilmembers were asked via email Friday night why they would you hire someone without first introducing the candidate to community leaders, including those from city commissions, the Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organizations as has been done in the past, to get input from them before you vote.

They were also asked if there were no other candidates who have experience as a city manager or an assistant city manager for other cities.

The councilmembers were asked before narrowing down their choices to Ms. Scott, if they were aware of her rather controversial remarks on her own social media pages. Some of the comments above were shared with the councilmembers.

They were then asked if she is really the best candidate and the best fit for Antioch city manager out of those they interviewed. Finally, the councilmembers were asked, if they you really think someone so racially divisive is the right choice for Antioch city manager especially after our community has just gone through the upheaval from the racist text scandal caused by some of our police officers.

Barbanica responded, “My position has been all along this should have been a public hiring. There should have been full transparency as the public needs to be apprised of the progress of the hiring all along. I said that publicly so the public could be made aware of who we were considering. The public went from knowing absolutely nothing about it to one day saying we have a final choice and we’re hiring a city manager and offering a person the job.”

“The public wasn’t aware we had a pool of applicants and that we had narrowed it down, where we were in the progress, and if we’re doing interviews. At one point all the department heads were allowed to do a meet and greet with multiple applicants. The public should have been made aware, so it didn’t come as big surprise.”

“Yes, that should have occurred,” referring to meetings between the final applicant and community leaders before the vote.

“This council should not be making the decision. This should be pushed out to the next council after the election. We have three seats that are up for election,” Barbanica continued. “We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council. It’s very likely that the overall direction of this council could be changing, depending on what the voters decide.”

Asked about the experience of other applicants he said, “There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.”

“I have supported and continued to support leaving Kwame Reed in that position until the next city council is seated,” Barbanica stated. “At least bring him on as the interim city manager for the next couple of months and let the next council decide if they want to continue with him or start this search over.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing public comments on Tuesday night before I make my final decision,” he added.

When reached for comment, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “I will comment after Tuesday’s meeting and not before, because the vote hasn’t been disclosed and would be a Brown Act violation.”

Additional efforts to reach Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Meeting Times and Location

The Tuesday night meeting inside the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 200 H Street, begins with a Closed Session at 5:15 p.m. during which the council will discuss the appointment of the new city manager. The public will have the opportunity to speak during public comments on the items they will be discussing prior to the council adjourning into their closed-door meeting. The council members will also discuss an existing lawsuit and anticipated litigation followed by the performance evaluations of both Acting City Manager Reed and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. City Council meetings are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website. See the full agenda packet.

“…effective immediately without cause.” – Board President Antonio Hernandez

Anello was in discussions with school board on “transition plan”, offered to stay on through May

“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with” – Trustee Mary Rocha

Reads Anello’s accomplishments

The “longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Wednesday night, August 21, 2024, the Antioch School Board agreed to the terminate the employment agreement of embattled Superintendent Stephanie Anello who has spent several months on full or half-time medical leave. The move followed calls from the district’s unions, that night, asking for the board to take “decisive action”. It also follows the controversy surrounding accusations of bullying by a district department supervisor and claims of its mishandling by Anello and senior district leadership as well as the multiple attempts by Hernandez to terminate Anello in spite of the fact she has not been given her performance evaluation in four years.

Anello, who was recently placed back on full-time medical leave by her doctor after returning to work half-time, offered to stay on through next May and continue to be paid while on leave instead, according to Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha. But she said the board felt they needed to make a change now and voted unanimously to terminate Anello’s employment agreement immediately and pay her the severance package.

According to district staff, the motion was to, “Terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” Made by Lathan and seconded by Board President and District 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and the motion passed unanimously with the support of Rocha, Lewis and Area 4 Trustee Gary Hack.

Unions Speak Unanimously

Flanked by Amy Bettencourt, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, representing the administrators and California School Employees Association, local Chapter 85 President Brian Atkinson, representing the classified employees, Antioch Education Association president Bob Carson, representing the district’s teachers, spoke during public comments before the board’s Closed Session on Wednesday night.

Reading from prepared remarks, he asked the board to take, “decisive action regarding the position of superintendent” at last night’s meeting. “As leaders of our respective associations we are deeply committed to the success and well-being of our district. However, the current uncertainty surrounding the superintendent’s role has created challenges in our ability to move forward effectively. For the sake of our students, staff and the broader community, we believe it’s crucial that the board establish a clear path forward. We request the board promptly address this matter, ensuring our district is guided by stable and visionary leadership. This will allow us to continue our mission of providing quality education and support to every student in Antioch. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to working collaboratively to achieve a positive outcome for our district.”

That was met with applause from those in the audience.

Board Votes Unanimously, Lewis Attends Closed Session by Phone

The board then adjourned to Closed Session which lasted over an hour, at which only four members were in attendance in person, and Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis attending via phone “due to a COVID-positive test” according to Hernandez. (His participation is under review as to whether it complies with the state’s Brown Act open meeting law). However, later Lewis said the district’s legal counsel said it was legal.

When reporting out Hernandez said, “the board took action in Closed Session to terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause, pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” He added, “It was unanimous, five-zero.”

That was also met with applause from the audience.

However, according to Rocha, the board accepted one of two resignation options Anello offered.

“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with,” the Area 5 trustee stated. “One was to avoid paying her the severance for six or nine months. Or do we cut ties now and pay her out. Because it was her request to be released. She gave us two options saying, ‘I have to be released, I can’t come to work.’ First it was, ‘I can only work half-day.’ Then all of a sudden it was the doctor telling her to go back on leave and she needed to be released.”

Anello’s Accomplishments

Following the announcement by Hernandez, Rocha read a list of Anello’s accomplishments while superintendent since being promoted to the position in 2016.

“As the senior member, I’ve been given the privilege to at least say a few words on behalf of the superintendent,” she stated before reading the statement. “I would like to say that this is without cause, and I hope you understand, the circumstances here, is we need to go forward. We need to take care of this business. This is a new year and so, I want to read some of the things we feel her leadership has done.”

 “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Superintendent Anello for her 25 years of dedicated service to our District, beginning in 1998 when she first served as a substitute teacher,” Rocha said reading from prepared remarks. “Ms. Anello is only the second female superintendent to lead the District and is the longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD. Some of her notable achievements as Superintendent include:

• Increasing accessibility for parents and guardians who speak languages other than English by ensuring bilingual assistance at all school sites and the District office;
• Expanding social-emotional support for students by reintroducing and increasing the number of counselors and mental health supports at every school;
• Instituting a comprehensive restorative justice program throughout the District, providing secondary sites with access to restorative justice coaches;
• Writing and implementing the District’s first Local Control Accountability Plan;
• Navigating the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, making AUSD one of the first districts in the county to offer free meals, computers, hotspots, and remote instruction;
• Overseeing the implementation of Measure B to upgrade and renovate Antioch High School;
• Successfully passing Measure B, the measure that we just did, which will bring over $195 million in much-needed upgrades and repairs to school sites.”

“So, we hope that Ms. Anello gets better in the future and that we look forward to at least having a direction of going forward in our district,” Rocha stated. “And I thank you and I hope we can all come together and understand that Ms. Anello has done a good job in this district.”

During general public comments Atkinson thanked, “the board for listening” and said, “I think it’s time to move on. Thank you, guys. It means so much to us.”

News Report on Leaked Information About Board, Anello’s Discussions

A report by NBC Bay Area on Thursday, August 15, 2024, claimed Anello was in discussions with the board on an exit plan. Posted to her official Facebook page on Friday afternoon Aug. 16th, Area 5 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan wrote about the article, “Time to heal.”

However, when reached for comment about the matter, Anello said, “In my message to employees, it was called a transition plan. If anything was discussed in Closed Session, I was not there.”

The superintendent who was on medical leave, earlier this year, then returned to work at 50% under direction of her doctor, said, “My doctor has taken me off work, again due to my health.”

Questions for Lathan Ignored, Won’t Say if She Was Source for Report

Lathan was asked about her Facebook post asking if it was about Anello healing, who was placed on medical leave by her doctor, again or about the district healing over the claims of bullying. She was also asked if she believed Anello mishandled the matter of the accusation against Kenny Turnage, the department supervisor. He is still on paid administrative leave as of last week, pending the outcome of two additional investigations, which according to Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez earlier this month, have not yet been completed.

Because the report claims, “Antioch Unified School District’s superintendent is working with board trustees on her exit plan from the district, NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions” Lathan was asked if she had spoken to Anello and if her “exit plan” discussed in Closed Session during the August 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.

Because the NBC report also claims their “Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions,” Lathan was asked, if she was one of the sources and if she had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.

Finally, the Area 2 trustee was asked if she thinks it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided and for anything else about the matter she’d like to share.

But Lathan did not respond.

Questions for Other Trustees Also Go Unanswered, Also Won’t Say if They Spoke to Media

Questions were also emailed on Saturday to the other four board members asking if any of them had spoken to Anello, if her “exit plan” was discussed in Closed Session during the Aug. 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.

They were also asked if Anello had he send the message sent to district staff about her “transition plan” was sent to them, as well and if any of them were the sources for the NBC Bay Area report and if they had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.

They were asked if they think it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided, as Trustee Lathan did on Friday, Aug. 16.

Hernandez was specifically asked why he continued to place the same items on the Closed Session agenda when the superintendent was not in attendance for one or two of the matters and if the board had given Anello her annual evaluation this year, yet and if not, how could they consider her Discipline/Dismissal/Release if that agenda item was for her. He was also asked if he was attempting to put pressure on Anello hoping she will resign.
Finally, they were asked if Martinez is still the Interim/Acting Superintendent and, if so, are they planning on appointing someone else to that position while Anello is on medical leave, and, if not, why was it on the agenda, and for anything else about the matter that they’d like to share

None of the trustees responded. However, later Rocha shared that Anello was represented by an attorney during the Closed Sessions meetings of the board. “Everyone has attorneys, including the district,” she said.

Efforts to reach Anello for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

The board will now have the option of promoting from within the district or hiring a search firm to recruit a new superintendent.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Starts August 26th

By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 12, 2024 – Northern California-based not-for-profit Sutter Health has named Trevor D. Brand to be the next CEO of Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch.

Brand comes to Sutter Health from City of Hope Atlanta, where he was chief operating officer, managing operations across six states and overseeing $2 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, service line performance improved, increasing hospital revenue by 13%. At City of Hope Atlanta, Brand also focused on fostering a culture of trust, implementing “people plans” that enhanced employee retention and engagement and reduced turnover rates by 5% annually. He also initiated a capital planning process resulting in a $10 million equipment and facilities improvement plan.

“Trevor Brand is an experienced and dynamic healthcare leader with a proven track record of excellence in hospital operations,” said Tosan Boyo, president of Sutter Health’s Greater East Bay Market. “I am thrilled to welcome him to Sutter Health to lead Sutter Delta Medical Center. In his new role, Trevor will focus on strengthening and growing Sutter Delta’s community partnerships and physician relationships and ensure the medical center continues to the deliver high-quality, connected and equitable patient care for which it is recognized.”

Brand’s previous roles include chief operating officer/senior vice president of Operations at City of Hope Phoenix and chief of staff and vice president of Strategic Initiatives at City of Hope National. He also held leadership positions at Erlanger Health System in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Brand holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Austin Peay State University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Brand succeeds Sherie Hickman at the helm of Sutter Delta. Hickman retired earlier this year after a long and successful career at Sutter.

Brand starts at Sutter Delta Medical Center on Aug. 26.