School Chief Backed by Compton Board

The Compton school board is expected tonight to pass a resolution in support of its new superintendent, who is being investigated for extra benefits he received at his previous job in New Mexico.

Jesse Gonzales received $390,000 in bonuses and life insurance policies over his 12 years as superintendent in Las Cruces, N.M. The state attorney general and prosecutors there are examining whether the Las Cruces school board’s approval of those benefits, which were never formally recorded, violated the law.

In a resolution expected to receive unanimous approval, the Compton board defends its hiring last year of Gonzales and cites his record of building schools in Las Cruces. Board members have dismissed the New Mexico investigation as motivated by Gonzales’ political enemies.

“We are disappointed in the type of politics emanating from his former employer of 12 years,” wrote Compton board President Isadore Hall, adding: “Here, in Compton, we value and fully support Dr. Gonzales.”