The San Diego (Unified) school board has fired Superintendent Lamont Jackson after an investigation found evidence he engaged in inappropriate behavior with staff.
NBC San Diego reports that the board voted unanimously to terminate Jackson during a closed-door meeting.
The investigation conducted by outside counsel began in April after two women who previously worked for the district reported that Jackson “had allegedly made sexual advances which they rebuffed.” They alleged that they had been fired in retaliation in 2023.
The accusations came to light when one of the women had lunch with a board member in April 2024, according to a statement from the board, which said other allegations against Jackson were uncovered over the course of the investigation.
“Several witnesses alleged he promoted women with whom he has sexual relations and that he has engaged in offensive and sexually charged behavior,” the board's statement reads.
The investigation found “sufficient evidence” Jackson “engaged in unwelcome, sex-based behavior consistent with a romantic interest in each of the two complainants,” according to the summary.
The board posted a statement about the firing on the district website:
The Board of Education is committed to transparency, the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and upholding the values of our community.
Upon becoming aware of concerns related to inappropriate conduct by the Superintendent towards certain employees, the Board of Education engaged an independent third-party investigator with no ties to the San Diego Unified School District to undertake an investigation. That investigation is now complete. The allegation of inappropriate conduct toward two former employees was found to be credible.
Based on that finding, the Board and the Superintendent have mutually agreed that separation is in the best interest of the District. Effective immediately, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula will be stepping in as Acting Superintendent.
We are grateful to Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson for his leadership. We are confident Dr. Bagula’s experienced leadership will provide stability and consistency for our students, families, and educators during this transition.
As a board, we remain dedicated to upholding accountability, transparency, and trust within our community.
