Move comes two weeks after board voted to begin Andrus’ termination for cause
The College of the Canyons board of trustees unanimously approved the separation of David C. Andrus from his employment agreement, the board announced following a closed session Tuesday evening.
Following a more than five hour closed session meeting it was announced by the COC legal counsel that the board unanimously approved and agreed upon separation with Andrus pursuant to section 13.1 of his employment agreement. The agreement also includes economic and non-economic provisions.
Trustee Fred Arnold was present for the meeting through Zoom.
Andrus’ attorney Nikki Staggs took the podium to read a statement on his behalf during public comment
“I am speaking to you today to announce that I am stepping down from the position of interim superintendent president, and so that I can share my perspective and feelings regarding the events of the last couple of weeks here at the college,” Staggs read on Andrus’ behalf. “Having been a member of the COC family for almost 24 years, the welfare of this college is the most important above all else, this college has given me so much over the course of my ongoing career. I’m indebted to this college, and would like to believe that I have, in return, provided service to it, service to all of you and importantly to our students.
“I want to be clear, I am proud of the forensic investigation authorized by the previous board. I believe the criticism of the current board related to the forensic investigation after the Sept. 10, 2025, meeting was unfair,” Staggs read. “The current board is and has been supportive of the audit and turning the investigation over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.”
Moving forward Jasmine Ruys will continue her duty as interim superintendent until the position is filled, which the board anticipates will be by July 1, 2026.
