Dr. Mary Streshly has resigned as superintendent of the Sequoia Union High School District, effective immediately, in order to fulfill critical care responsibilities with her family, district Board of Trustees President Allen Weiner has announced.
Associate Superintendent Crystal Leach will serve as interim superintendent pending the appointment of a new superintendent. Weiner said the District was “sad to be losing our leader and friend, but thankful for all she has done.”
“Dr. Streshly has served ably in establishing high standards and leading by example for the District and our community,” Weiner said.
Streshly’s resignation comes over a month after District administrators and faculty called for her ouster, and amid debate on the Board over whether to renew her contract. The Sequoia District Teachers Association harshly criticized her three-year tenure as failing to include teachers and other key stakeholders on decisions. The union also criticized her handling of preparations for the fall semester amid the pandemic.
Weiner described the district’s plan to resume instruction in August “successful.”
“I believe we met the moment by remaining focused on students and parents,” Streshly said in Weiner’s statement, adding, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the staff, board, and community for supporting our programs, services, and student-centered initiatives during my superintendency.”
Weiner said he appreciated Streshly’s hard work and “collaborative working style.” Under her tenure, he said, the district saw significant academic gains for underserved students, reduced student suspensions and explusions, the completion of a $265 million bond construction program and the opening of TIDE Academy. Streshly spearheaded a dramatic restructuring of Redwood High School, Weiner added.
“The Board and Dr. Streshly believe this transition is in their respective best interests as well as the best interest of our educational community,” said Weiner said.
Photo credit: Sequoia Union High School District.
