Tensions were high at College of the Canyons University Center as the COC Board of Trustees took action to remove Interim Superintendent David Andrus in a vote that took place at nearly 1 a.m. in closed session.
The Board, with a 3-1 vote, decided to place Interim Superintendent Andrus on paid administrative leave. Fred Arnold, Sharlene Johnson, and Darlene Trevino voted yes, Dr. Edel Alonzo voted no, and Dr. Carlos Guerrero abstained.
The reason for Andrus’s removal was not publicly disclosed. Eric Harnish, COC Public Information Vice President, said the Board regarded it as a confidential personnel matter.
Once the decision was made, Andrus’s lawyer, Nikki Staggs, commented.
“I object to the statement and any allegations reported this evening by the board. It has violated the Brown Act notice and participation records,” said Staggs.
“It has breached his contract by disregarding the required evaluation process. It constitutes an unlawful violation pursuant to California labor and employment laws.”
Andrus took the position after former COC Superintendent and President, Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, was placed on administrative leave. She announced her retirement soon after.
Once in office, Andrus ordered a forensic audit that revealed over $12 million of misused funding across nearly 700 projects in the past 20 years, as reported during the November 2024 board meeting.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to have undertaken the decision to launch an internal investigation because I couldn’t ignore what was brought to me. And I had a duty to do it”, said Andrus, reflecting on his time as Interim President.
The board meeting discussed the status of the audit report, which is now under criminal investigation by the District Attorney’s office.
“The matter is presently under review by the DA’s office. The DA’s office has informed the college district that, to protect the integrity of its review, no information will be provided regarding its review”, according to Sherman Wong, a lawyer at Public Agency Law Group.
Many in attendance at the meeting expressed support for Andrus, who received a resolution of confidence from COC staff.
“I have served with some of this nation’s finest leaders. I would follow that man into the gates of hell with gasoline-soaked underwear with a smile on my face. You get rid of him, you unleash the whirlwind,” said Matt Funicello, College of the Canyons (COC) campus security officer.
Michael Monsieur, COC’s Classified Senate President, spoke after the start of the first closed session. “In that room today, you saw overwhelming groups, stakeholder groups coming together in support of interim president David Andrus”, he said.
Another COC faculty member, Jason Burgdorfer, spoke about how the conditions of the college had improved since the start of Andrus’s presidency. “There’s been great strides over the last year under David’s leadership in his first year to have a more collaborative and inclusive campus community,” said Burgdorfer.
All main campus stakeholders unanimously expressed their support for Andrus and voted no confidence in Board Members Arnold and Johnson. This includes the College of the Canyons Faculty Association (COCFA), the Classified Union, the Faculty Academic Senate, and the Classified Senate.
Despite the attendees’ resolve, the Board recommended voting to appoint Dr. Jasmine Ruys as Acting President of the College of the Canyon, Santa Clarita Community College District.
COC will address the permanent president at a future board meeting once a new president is found.
