The Poway Unified School Superintendent has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal audit requested by the Board of Education, the district confirmed Monday.
John Collins is one of the county’s most powerful and well-paid school superintendents.
In December, he hired an attorney to negotiate a possible buyout of his $400,000 contract.
Collins told the Pomerado News, “The current situation is that the board and the superintendent have agreed that their relationship is not working well and we need to discuss our options going forward in the best interests of the district.”
Collins has led the district for five years. According to “Transparent California,” a website that lists public employee salaries and pensions, the superintendent received $478,000 in total pay and benefits in 2014.
Collins’ tenure has also been marked by controversy, including a contentious bond sale and his decision to rewrite and soften a consultant’s report that was critical of the district’s technology department.
Associate Superintendent of Learning Support Services, Dr. Mel Robertson will serve as acting superintendent as of Monday, April 25.
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"The Board is committed to continuing the mission of Poway Unified School District of educating our students and focusing on the excellent work of our students and staff," a statement from the district reads.
