Interim President and Superintendent of Hartnell College Steps Down

The following statement was issued by Hartnell Community College District Governing Board President Erica Padilla-Chavez on behalf of the entire Board, following their special meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22: The Hartnell Community College District Governing Board on Wednesday, December 22, accepted the resignation of Interim Superintendent Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, effective January 14. The Board plans to appoint an interim superintendent/president at its next regular meeting, on January 11, to maintain the District’s progress and momentum while it seeks a permanent superintendent/president for Hartnell. A nationwide search for that new leader began in November of 2021, and the Board expects to complete an appointment in the spring of 2022. Dr. Rodríguez, who joined Hartnell College in July 2020, will become interim chancellor of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District. He expressed his thanks to the Board and his appreciation for the dedication of District employees, the amazingly supportive community, and the inspiring resilience of the wonderful students. The Governing Board thanks Dr. Rodríguez for his guidance during the pandemic and his role in the completion and opening of Hartnell’s 3 education centers, the new Center for Nursing & Health Sciences, and other District projects funded by the Measure T Bond.