Martinez Unified board fires superintendent in 3–2 vote, appoints Janelle Ayat as interim

The Martinez Unified School District board voted 3–2 on April 27, 2026 to terminate Superintendent Dr. Gigi Patrick immediately "without cause pursuant to the terms of the superintendent's employment agreement," the board reported after a closed session. The board also said it had unanimously approved Janelle Ayat as interim superintendent, with an interim employment agreement to be ratified at the board's May 4 meeting and an interim effective date of April 20, 2026.

Community speakers who addressed the board at both the closed-session comment period and during public comment said the board provided insufficient explanation for the personnel action and raised concerns about possible racial motivation. "The community, parents, and students of Martinez deserve to know the reason for this action," said Linda Olivera, a Martinez resident who identified herself as having engaged with the board for years. "Without an explanation and with an all-white school board, we minorities are left to believe that racism may have been a factor."

Greg Young, who identified himself as a Martinez city council member but spoke as a resident, told trustees he was "deeply disturbed" and "extremely disappointed" that the board placed the superintendent on leave without public explanation and urged the board to be transparent for the sake of students.

Dr. Lamont Frances, a longtime educator who said he represents the Council of the California African-American Association of Superintendents and Administrators, said Dr. Patrick was "placed on leave without public justification" and described her removal and escort from district offices as "disrespectful and dehumanizing," calling the sequence an example of "passive institutional racism."

The board's report out from closed session emphasized the confidentiality of personnel matters and framed the actions as taken in the district's interest. "All personnel matters are strictly confidential and cannot be discussed," the board stated on the record, adding that its "focus remains firmly on what best supports student success, staff effectiveness, and community trust." The report identified two dissenting trustees by name: Courtney Masala O'Brien and Annie Horic Martin.

The board did not disclose which trustees voted in the majority. The report noted the termination was "without cause pursuant to the terms of the superintendent's employment agreement." The board said it unanimously approved the appointment of Janelle Ayat as interim superintendent and will consider ratifying an interim superintendent employment agreement at its May 4 meeting.

Interim Superintendent Ayat, who spoke later in the meeting, said she is "honored by your confidence" and that her immediate focus will be "maintaining stability, continuing the important work already underway, and partnering with the board to ensure alignment with our priorities so our schools continue to thrive." She also gave updates on construction timelines and district recognitions.

Next steps recorded by the board: the interim superintendent employment agreement will be presented for ratification at the May 4, 2026 meeting. The public repeatedly asked the board for more information on the circumstances that led to the administrative leave and subsequent termination; trustees said confidentiality rules limit what can be disclosed publicly.

Officials and community members seeking clarity should expect the May 4 board meeting to include formal action to ratify the interim superintendent agreement and any additional public materials the board chooses to release concerning interim leadership and transition plans.