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Board amends policy to remove 'within past five years' limitation on felony convictions for superintendent hiring

Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Education · December 9, 2025
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Summary

After public comment about ethics and personnel policy, trustees voted unanimously to remove language limiting disqualification to felonies committed 'within the past five years' from the superintendent employment policy, allowing the district to adopt a stricter standard than the CSBA model policy.

The board unanimously approved an amendment to the board policy on superintendent employment that struck the phrase “within the past 5 years” from a clause listing felony convictions that would disqualify a candidate. The motion was made and seconded during discussion of agenda item N‑3; legal counsel confirmed the board has authority to adopt policies stricter than the California School Boards Association (CSBA) template.

The amendment followed public comment that raised concerns about a Sweetwater High educator’s conduct at a National City council meeting and broader calls from community members to enforce the district’s code of conduct. During discussion, trustees noted CSBA updates but said the board may choose to require a stronger standard. A trustee moved to remove the five‑year limit and the board voted 5‑0 to adopt the language change.

Legal counsel explained that districts are permitted to exceed CSBA policy requirements but cannot adopt policies that conflict with law. The board’s action modifies local policy wording and directs staff to update the policy text; no specific employment decisions were made during the meeting.