Emily Forschen
The head of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District is officially out.
At the monthly business meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Chancellor Jannett Jackson, effective Aug. 22. Her departure was expected, in May, after the board voted 5-2 not to renew Jackson’s contract. That effectively rendered her a lame-duck as she had one year remaining. Jackson, whose contract is up in June, will still be compensated for the school year but the district can begin the search for a new leader.
Jackson went on leave in July. Former LPC President, Susan Cota was tabbed by the district to serve as the interim chancellor.
“The Board wishes to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jackson for her dedicated service to the District and to recognize her many years of service to the community college system,” trustee Hal G. Gin said, speaking on behalf of the board. “We will miss her and wish her well.”
Jackson served as chancellor for over five years, making history as the district’s first African-American to hold the position. Jackson has served in a community college leadership role for 30 years. Her tenure as chancellor emphasized the districtwide values: educational excellence, curriculum relevancy, and community collaboration.
Cota’s time at interim lasts until Sept. 14. Then, Thomas Fallo will takeover. He was appointed by the board to be interim chancellor starting Sept. 17 and will stay in the role until a new leader of the district is in place.
Fallo most recently served as Interim Chancellor for South Orange County Community College District. He has spent 45 years working in California community colleges, 21 of those as superintendent and president of El Camino College.
The district is hoping to have a new chancellor selected and approve by the spring semester.
