The Board of Trustees at the College of the Florida Keys voted unanimously to terminate President Jonathan Guevarra’s contract, effective immediately, in a move that has raised questions about compliance with state transparency requirements. The board, which is composed largely of new appointees selected this year, cited concerns about Guevarra’s performance and alleged insubordination as justification for the dismissal.
Guevarra, who had held the presidency since 2012, had recently signed a contract extension in 2025 under the previous board composition. The new board majority expressed displeasure with the midcontract renewal, which extended his tenure through 2028. Board members also raised concerns about the president’s efforts to secure state appropriations, noting that the governor has twice vetoed funding for the college’s air-conditioning system upgrades.
Procedural concerns have surfaced regarding how the board conducted the termination vote. The meeting was scheduled with only 72 hours’ notice and featured a vague agenda item concerning the presidential contract, potentially violating state sunshine laws according to reporting. Additionally, the board limited public comment to the end of the meeting, after the dismissal had already been decided.
Trustee Alexandria Suarez, identified as one of Guevarra’s principal critics, characterized the situation as a disagreement over contract authority and leadership structure. Guevarra has the right to request an administrative hearing within 15 days to challenge his termination. The college administration has not issued a public statement regarding the board’s action.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI