Hayward Superintendent Stan “Data” Dobbs is
on paid administrative leave while the school
board investigates his past action.

HAYWARD SCHOOL BOARD |
Despite several public denials, a text from embattled Hayward Superintendent Stan “Data” Dobbs to the school board’s counsel shows he initiated discussions over his potential departure, not board officials.

The text from Dobbs, dated Mar. 24, references his own annual performance review, in addition, to gauging the school board’s position on a potential buyout of his contract.

“I don’t want it to drag on,” Dobbs texted. “I want to discuss today plus your thoughts on whether they are willing to consider a buyout.” The text was released by the school board following Wednesday night’s meeting.

A text from Dobbs to the school board’s attorney from Mar. 24

“Mr. Dobbs on his own contacted our Board’s General Counsel in March 2016 to ask whether the Board would consider a buyout,” said Hayward school board President Lisa Brunner. “So I listened and considered a buyout in May 2016. But Mr. Dobbs turned what started as an opportunity for him to leave his office in a professional way with dignity and his position in the community, into a political fight over more money.”

Last month, during a school board meeting, Dobbs denied he was actively seeking to leave the district. In addition, Dobbs again claimed last week in the East Bay Times that it was the school board’s attorney who first mentioned a potential buyout back on May 11.

Dobbs was placed on paid administrative leave by the school board on June 29 while they conduct an investigation into his handling of football player Ray McDonald’s visit to Tennyson High School last February. McDonald, a former 49ers defensive end, is currently standing  trial for alleged rape. The investigation, according to Brunner, however, is more far-reaching than the McDonald incident.

A report last May in the East Bay Citizen revealed Dobbs’ legal representation sent a two-page negotiated settlement offer to the school board’s counsel. Included in the offer was a year’s pay, $25,000 in moving expenses, and legal indemnity from any action he may have taken as part of his duties as superintendent, among other demands. The offer was turned down by the school board.

Dobbs is the final year of a three-year contract that pays him a base salary of $242,000 a year.