Overview
- Fields’ employment contract was terminated in a 4–3 split, and he will remain on administrative leave with pay.
- Deputy Superintendent Mary Duhart-Toppen was named interim superintendent, replacing prior interim Lacey Gosch.
- Board President Monica Ryan cited confidentiality around an ongoing inquiry and later referenced concerns related to student safety.
- Trustees José Macias Jr., Suzanne Kenoyer and Laura Stanford opposed the action, with Kenoyer alleging an illegal “walking quorum” and a resident announcing a lawsuit over transparency.
- The leadership change arrives as the district faces a $35–$37 million budget shortfall and prepares to discuss school consolidation options on Feb. 9.