Board asks interim superintendent Maurice Geisel to come out of retirement and directs staff to draft contract

The Pleasanton Unified School District board voted unanimously to ask Interim Superintendent Maurice Geisel to come out of retirement and directed staff to prepare a revised contract for services outlining days worked, pay and an exit clause.

Board members framed the decision as a stability measure during a leadership transition and a response to the district’s fiscal and operational challenges. Trustee Maher said the district needs continuity: “We need to stay the course, keep Maurice, and then he will help us move into our next superintendent.” Other trustees echoed support while stressing the need for careful contractual parameters that reflect the district’s budget constraints.

Legal and procedural context: Board counsel explained CalSTRS requirements for retirees who resume active service and said the district typically negotiates contract parameters with the president and one other trustee before presenting a final agreement to the full board. Counsel noted working less than two years in active service generally limits impacts on a retiree’s pension calculation.

Next steps and process: Trustees directed staff to draft a contract and recommended that two board members (the president and at least one other trustee) work with legal counsel on the initial negotiation parameters. The board will review and vote on any final contract at a future regular meeting; tonight’s action was limited to authorizing the draft process and the request for Geisel to resume active service.

Ending: The motion passed 6–0 and staff will return with a draft contract and a timeline for board review.