Santa Clara County school board appoints interim superintendent

SAN JOSE, Calif. ( KRON ) — Students and teachers in Santa Clara County have a new superintendent leading them as of Thursday morning despite protests from some community members.

Two weeks ago, the Santa Clara County Office of Education fired Mary Ann Dewan without cause. The school board is not telling the public why she was fired and the vote was made behind closed doors.

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Dewan took her case to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, saying the board could not fire her because she was appointed the job. The judge disagreed and ruled that the board could remove her.

Many showed up to Wednesday night's board meeting expressing support for Dewan and frustration at the board's decision. There were also those who supported the board's decision.

The board appointed Charles Hinman to be interim superintendent until a permanent one can be found. Board President Maimona Afzal Berta said in a statement that "Dr. Hinman brings decades of experience and dedication as an educational leader in the classroom, as a school principal and as a district superintendent."

Supporters of Duwan are calling for a grand jury investigation into the former superintendent's firing.