Stockton Unified School District has announced a significant change in its board leadership. AngelAnn Flores, who has recently faced scrutiny over the potential misuse of the district's credit card, is no longer the board president, according to a report by Hannah Workman and Aaron Leathley of The Stockton Record. Flores will, however, retain her seat and vote on the board.
The decision came during the Board of Trustees' last regularly scheduled meeting of the year. The role of the board president is primarily ceremonial, responsible for calling meetings to order. Kennetha Stevens will take over as the new board president, serving as the spokeswoman for the board. Sofia Colón has been named vice president, and they will serve in these roles until the same time next year.
This change in leadership follows the annual vote required by law, where the board typically rotates positions such as president, vice president, and clerk. These votes usually occur in December, coinciding with similar elections in other school boards, including the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees.
The transition to new leadership comes amid controversy surrounding Flores. In November, deputies searched her home concerning allegations of her refusal to hand over receipts for credit card transactions. During the search, various electronic devices and documents were seized, and investigators also requested access to Flores' online accounts with Google and Meta.
Despite the investigation, no charges have been filed against Flores, who firmly denies any misuse of district funds. She has publicly stated her intention to fight the allegations, even if it requires legal action.
Flores' leadership ended as trustees walked out shortly after Stevens called the meeting back into open session for the first time as president. This shift in the board’s dynamics signals a new chapter for the Stockton Unified School District, with Stevens and Colón at the helm for the upcoming year.
The district, one of the largest in the region, faces ongoing challenges and opportunities as it navigates the evolving educational landscape. The new leadership is expected to steer the district towards continued growth and address the pressing issues faced by students, staff, and the community.
This report is based on the coverage by Hannah Workman and Aaron Leathley of The Stockton Record.
