San Benito High School Superintendent John Perales has been placed on administrative leave after a unanimous vote of the district’s governing board during a closed-sesson meeting Dec.12.
In an email sent to staff by Board of Trustees President Steve Delay, it was announced that “because of the confidential nature of this personnel action,” the board was not able to provide details of the action. Delay’s message noted that the Board “wishes to ensure all those who are interested or concerned that District administration is fully functioning during this absence and the District will continue to focus on its mission of providing the best possible education to all its students.”
Delay also announced staff that Director of Finance and Operations Roseanne Lascano would be acting as interim superintendent.
Board Member Juan Robledo told BenitoLink because it was a personnel matter he could not make any comment on the action.
Earlier this year, trustee members held a special meeting to discuss the employment future of Superintendent Perales. At the meeting, teachers and staff spoke in support of Perales amid rumors of his impending firing. While speakers said he was not perfect, they agreed he had improved the overall culture at the school. The board took no action at the meeting and Perales said he wanted to bring a resolution to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the district adding, “Hopefully we can find a way to work together.”
In 2015, former SBHS Principal Todd Dearden was placed on administrative leave and later submitted his resignation pending an ongoing investigation for alleged misconduct. He had been hired unanimously by the board in 2014 and later replaced by Adrian Ramirez, who still serves as principal.
BenitoLink reached out to Superintendent Perales but he was not immediately available for comment.