Why Was MDUSD Superintendent Steven Lawrence Fired?

The Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) board has begun the search for new leadership after firing Superintendent Steven Lawrence last week.

Trustees Barbara Oaks and Brian Lawrence said that the district was suffering from a lack of communication and trust, and that morale was low.

"We need a leader who can go out and build the relationships and the trust so that our students will benefit," said Oaks, as reported by the Contra Costa Times.

Brian Lawrence added that the community feels "very disconnected from the district leadership."

However, local teachers’ union president Guy Moore told KCBS that morale was low even before the superintendent's arrival, and that Lawrence had been able to steer the district through the Recession.

"It was painful, but our school district is currently very strong financially,” said Moore.

Superintendent Lawrence earned $295,907 in salary and benefits in 2011, according to the Contra Costa Times, meaning his separation agreement could total about $172,600. 

MDUSD is one of the largest school districts in the state of California, with over 56 school sites and programs spanning the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill and Clayton, as well as portions of Martinez, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg and Bay Point.