Antioch Unified board terminates superintendent effective immediately; trustees praise her long service

The Antioch Unified School District board announced Aug. 21 that it had voted in closed session to terminate the superintendent's employment agreement effective immediately and "without cause," citing the terms of the employment agreement.

Board President Antonio Hernandez reported the vote was unanimous, 5–0, and noted Trustee Lewis joined by teleconference due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. Vice President Rocha then read a prepared statement praising the superintendent's long record of service and leadership.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to superintendent Nella for her 25 years of dedicated service to our district," Rocha said in a statement read to the board, listing accomplishments that included expanding bilingual assistance at sites, increasing counselors and social-emotional supports, instituting restorative-justice programs, and overseeing Measure B projects to renovate school facilities.

Rocha's remarks also credited district leadership for efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing free meals, devices and remote instruction to students, and highlighted the superintendent's role in authoring the district's first Local Control Accountability Plan.

President Hernandez acknowledged the leadership change during his closing remarks, framing the decision as an opportunity for unity and forward momentum for the district. He thanked district employees and community members for their work and said the board's role is to set direction and vision.

No interim superintendent appointment was announced during open session. The board indicated the termination was enacted under the superintendent's employment agreement; the transcript states the action was "without cause" and implemented "pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement."