Image by David Rowe, Associate Editor
The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) announced today the naming of Stephanie Droker to fill the position of Interim Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer.
Droker comes to Peralta from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) where she most recently served as President/CEO. Droker has worked for the ACCJC since 2016. Prior to assuming the role of President, she was Vice President of Policy and Research, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The ACCJC is the organization that placed PCCD on a probationary status in terms of its academic accreditation in January 2020. The ACCJC reevaluated the district’s status in June 2021 and decided to “continue to impose probation.” In October, the ACCJC once again conducted site visits with each Peralta campus and interviews with district officials.
“We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Dr. Droker join our Peralta team. Her experience, at all levels of leadership, her knowledge of community colleges, coupled with her demonstrated support of our students will make her an invaluable asset to our organization,” Interim PCCD Chancellor Jannett Jackson said in a district press release.
Jackson, who resides in Texas, recently had her term extended through December 2023 by the Peralta Board of Trustees.
Jennifer Shanoski, President of the Peralta Federation of Teachers, questioned whether Deputy Chancellor is a new or existing position. During the public comments section of yesterday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Shanoski pointed out that the district combined the Deputy Chancellor and Chief of Staff position five years ago and that the job description for Deputy Chancellor is “identical to the existing chief of staff.” She also questioned the wisdom of hiring another senior administrative position given the district’s financial challenges and the diversion of funds away from the classroom. “Righting the ship isn’t possible if we continue to hire top level administrators that cost at least a quarter of a million dollars,” Shaonski said.
In the district’s press release, Droker said she is “delighted” that Jackson selected her and looks forward to “partnering with the faculty, staff, students, and Board” to “highlight the exceptional work” of the Peralta colleges.
Droker holds a Doctorate of Education from California State University, Fresno and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, according to the press release issued by the district.
Her appointment will be considered by the Board of Trustees at its December 14 meeting. Assuming the board approves, her term will begin on January 10, 2022.
