Hayward superintendent Stan Dobbs wants to be
indemnified against any potential legal action. 

HAYWARD SCHOOLS | Hayward school superintendent Stan “Data” Dobbs is looking for an exit out as the school district’s top administrator, according to letter he sent to the school district last month. Dobbs, who was hired in 2013, has sent the school district a letter detailing the financial terms of his resignation effective June 30, according to sources.

Dated May 23, the letter obtained by the East Bay Citizen, lays out a negotiated settlement offer from Dobbs to the school district that would lead to his resignation later this month. Included in the offer from Dobbs is one years termination pay, accrued vacation pay and $25,000 for moving costs.

In addition, Dobbs is asking for a non-disparagement clause to be applied to all members of the school board who might publicly criticize his tenure as Hayward superintendent of schools. Dobbs also wants to be indemnified against any legal claims against him while serving as superintendent.

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The timing of the letter is important as it is believed to have been sent to the school district amid widespread rumors the Hayward school board had sent their own letter to Dobbs notifying him of his removal from his job on June 30. Such a dismissal is unfounded, say sources.

In fact, any decision by the school board to remove Dobbs would not unfold in this manner. The slightest hint from the school board that they were at least raising the possibility would occur in closed session and agendized under a general description pertaining to the superintendent.

The superintendent is hired by the school board and conversely, also fired by board, at any time, provided a majority of the five members agree.

Dobbs’ tenure in Hayward has been successful in raising the profile of the struggling school district in the area. The marketing aspect of “Made in Hayward” tagline has attracting mostly positive attention.

However, the decision to invite Ray McDonald, a former 49er defensive end currently on trial for rape, to speak to at-risk youths at Tennyson High School upset some parent and was even debated on an ESPN talk show.

Then, following a physical confrontation between Dobbs and two school board members in closed session last September, Dobbs kept his job without incident. But in the months since, his standing among some board members has dropped.

NOTE: Additions to this article was made Wednesday afternoon to reflect the date of the letter sent by Dobbs to the school district and that it was obtained by the East Bay Citizen.