After leading Gonzales Unified School District for two-plus years, former superintendent Matilde Zamora has left her post after a mutual agreement with the district's board of trustees a year before her contract was up.
Zamora had been on leave since May 14. The district didn’t provide additional information about her leave of absence, including whether or not it was paid, citing it as a personnel matter.
Zamora was hired to replace former superintendent Yvette Irving in 2022, when she was selected out of 31 candidates. Irving’s contract was terminated without a cause in March of 2022.
Zamora’s contract was from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. Her salary was $225,000 annually, with relocation expenses approved for up to $8,000.
“We are currently in the recruitment process for a new, permanent leader. At the Aug. 27, 2024, meeting, the board will consider hiring a search firm to assist in this recruitment,” says Deborah Blow, interim superintendent at GUSD.
Blow has led the GUSD since May 28, first as an acting superintendent while Zamora was on leave and now as a interim superintendent. Her salary is $1,100 per day.
Blow has 32 years of experience in public education in California. She served as the superintendent of Cambrian School District in San Jose, and Orcutt Union School District in Santa Barbara. This is the second time she has served on an interim basis. Blow’s previous interim positions were at Lompoc Unified School District.
Zamora’s current employment agreement ends Aug. 31.
On Aug. 27, the board may choose a firm to aid them with the superintendent search and it will receive proposals from three firms including McPherson and Jefferson LLC; Hazard, Young and Attea; and Leadership Associates.