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Education

As Palomar College's Finances Crater, Employees Say President Should Go

Palomar College President Joi Lin Blake gets ready for a board meeting, Nov. 12, 2019.
Michael Damron/KPBS
Palomar College President Joi Lin Blake gets ready for a board meeting, Nov. 12, 2019.

Faculty and staff at Palomar College are rallying for new leadership, with dozens showing up to a board of governors meeting Tuesday to call for the removal of current school president Joi Lin Blake.

A recent analysis of the community college’s finances found it is at a high risk of insolvency in the near future. Faculty and staff said Blake’s financial and personnel mismanagement is to blame. In a no-confidence vote, about 90% said she is no longer fit to lead the college.

Blake told KPBS that she supports the process.

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"I’m a former academic senate president and so I understand the constitution allows for freedom of speech, freedom of expression — so all voices can be heard and that’s society and that’s good," Blake said Tuesday about the vote of no confidence.

But when asked whether she would resign, she said: "No — I haven't been asked to."

A faculty senate representative said the Blake is mincing words, they are asking her to leave her position. With staff and faculty voicing their opinions, Blake's future now lies in the hands of the board of governors.

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