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May 9
1990 - Gene Autry's elderly horse, Champion, put to sleep; buried at Melody Ranch [story]
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Santa Clarita NewsBen Rodriguez, chief operating officer of the William S. Hart Union High School District, has chosen not to renew his contract which was set to expire in June 2016, the district announced Thursday.

The Hart School Board accepted Rodriguez’s resignation at its Wednesday might meeting. His departure is effective Sept. 30.

Rodriguez is responsible for the district’s capital projects, including construction of Castaic High School, the performing arts centers at Canyon and Saugus high schools, and other construction projects around the district that are currently underway or slated to get underway in the near future.

“With several projects and initiatives pending that will span several years, Rodriguez feels it makes sense to spend the time now to recruit and transition someone who can become fully immersed in these projects,” the district said in a statement. “Rodriguez will be assisting in this transition.”

Rodriguez has been with the district for three years. His successor has not yet been selected.

 

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8 Comments

  1. jim soliz says:

    Gen the anti latino is of the Hart Tructee Board, its a wonder that the warm and jocular Rodriguez lasted as long as he did. I for one, will miss him and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

  2. Allan Cameron says:

    Mr. Rodriguez is the fourth person to hold that challenging job in the last ten years. Having held it for about three, he has held the position as long, if not longer than his three predecessors. I know Mr. Rodriguez, and am confident that he has a bright future.

  3. scott says:

    What’s not mentioned here, that I read elsewhere, is that he’s going to be paid for NOT WORKING the next 9 months. If he is unable to fulfill his contract, why are we still paying him? If I quit my job, my employer stops paying me immediately. How is this any different, other than he’s getting paid through the pockets of the tax payers?

    • SCVNews.com says:

      Consider the different ways a public agency and an employee can part ways, and think about how much more it could have cost.

  4. Joe says:

    Jim Soliz, REALLY! Your type is the exact reason we have so much racial unrest in this country. You could care less about the truth just throw out those racial accusations. What a faithful democrat you are. How about you try to be a faithful American. Do you have inside info? if you do you should share it. Are you calling Mr Rodreguez a liar? He resigned and said he wanted to spend more time with his family! Tired of the drive maybe? Where was your outrage when Tom Cole resigned after being there only a year, Maybe because he was only an anglo? Good riddance in your mind? OBVIOUSLY knowing the law as you do you know I cant discuss BUT I can say its much better having Ben available to help with a transition than not at all AND Education Employment Law is a different animal. to sum up.. Your inference that he was forced out because he was a Latino in ignorance and hate at its finest and proof that people like you could care less about America and only about “Your People”.
    OH and why dont you look down the district roster and see how many “non-white” teachers and employees we have” dont bother it will ruin your day!

  5. Denny says:

    Right on, Joe. Your reply to Jim Soliz was spot on.

  6. Sonia P says:

    It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Rodriguez for these past 3 years. His wealth of knowledge in not only construction but business operations was instrentsl in bringing best business practices to WSHUHD. We want to continue building on best practices and not past practices. Always placing the safety of the students, staff and visitors as a high priority. Mr. Rodriguez high ethical standards in maintaining transparency and accountability to tax payers was always his mission. We will miss his talent and wish him much success in his future endevours. Thank you for a job well done.

  7. PJL says:

    I am saddened by the news of his leaving. Mr. Rodriguez has been an asset to the District. From what I have seen at meetings, he has tried to implement procedures and policies within the District to ensure the safety of students, the best use of our tax dollars as well as transparency and accountability. From what I hear accountability among staff and board members is a huge problem within the District and it is a disgrace that they are losing someone who actually cared rather than someone there to collect a pay check. It is also incredibly coincidiental, or is it, that same meeting he “resigned” that the board item for Castaic High School Request for Proposal was pulled! Interesting don’t you think?

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