We call on the RSCCD Board of Trustees to reconsider its decision not to renew the contract for Dr. Maria Dela Cruz and to invest in leaders who have built trust through a proven track record, strong work ethic, and steadfast service to our SAC campus community. During her 10-year tenure, Dr. Dela Cruz has provided stable, visionary leadership through the successful implementation of major statewide legislation, including AB 705, AB 1705, AB 928, and AB 934, ensuring the college remains compliant while advancing equitable student success initiatives. She secured 2.75 million in federal and state grants for student support initiatives, championed the creation of direct student support services via affinity centers, expanded transfer partnerships, directly led the implementation of Guided Pathways, and advanced countless initiatives that improve student success and institutional excellence.
This decision has raised serious concern because leadership should be evaluated carefully, fairly, based on their performance, and only after the Board has considered all relevant facts and perspectives, not by incomplete information, quick judgments, or decisions made without full transparency. We are all affected when a respected leader is asked to leave despite a strong record of service including modeling shared governance. Continued leadership turnover weakens morale, disrupts progress, and makes it harder to recruit and retain dedicated managers who are committed to serving our students and community.
We believe in accountability, but we also believe in fairness. Before making a decision that affects the future our college, the Board should listen to the faculty, staff, students, and community members who have worked alongside Dr. Dela Cruz and witnessed her leadership firsthand. A decision of this magnitude should not be made without fully considering the impact of her contributions and the voices of those who have experienced them.
Invest in leaders, not turnover. We ask the RSCCD Board of Trustees to reconsider this decision and choose stability, transparency, and respect for proven leadership, demonstrated results, and a continued commitment to student success.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
August 7, 2026
44 Comments
Dr dela Cruz has always placed students at the center of the work she does! We need her to continue in her leadership role, so students can accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams!
Mrs. De La Cruz was instrumental in my adaptation to the college life and she is part of the reason I got admitted to UCLA! Not renewing her contract is a big mistake
Dr. Dela Cruz has consistently proven herself to be one of the strongest advocates for students and leaders on campus. From founding the affinity centers to genuinely supporting staff, her leadership sets the standard, which is clear in the deep trust she’s earned from students and faculty. We need her continued vision and dedication as Dean of Counseling.
· petition starter
Counseling-Maria is one of the few Managers in student services that understands shared governance and intentionally partners with faculty.
I get a lot of help from the people that work directly with her. They are all doing a great job and wish to continue to keep getting the same type of support. - student
Genuine people like Dr. Dela Cruz are rare. Her love and passion for her students and those she works with is clearly evident. It would be a shame not to renew her contract and keep her at Santa Ana College. Words should not be needed, as her actions and leading by example over the last 10 years have shown the reality of who she is and what she brings to the table for Santa Ana College. We need to be better and not lose sight of a gem when it’s right in front of us.
Our University of Alaska Fairbanks runs a student research intensive program with Maria through MESA. Maria has been a tremendous partner supporting this transformative, high impact research experience for students from both of our institutions. We are waiting to hear back from the National Science Foundation for news on a $5 million proposal we wrote together to build the program and create stronger transfer options for students to Alaska. Maria will be a PI on the grant and irreplaceable.
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We call on the RSCCD Board of Trustees to reconsider its decision not to renew the contract for Dr. Maria Dela Cruz and to invest in leaders who have built trust through a proven track record, strong work ethic, and steadfast service to our SAC campus community. During her 10-year tenure, Dr. Dela Cruz has provided stable, visionary leadership through the successful implementation of major statewide legislation, including AB 705, AB 1705, AB 928, and AB 934, ensuring the college remains compliant while advancing equitable student success initiatives. She secured 2.75 million in federal and state grants for student support initiatives, championed the creation of direct student support services via affinity centers, expanded transfer partnerships, directly led the implementation of Guided Pathways, and advanced countless initiatives that improve student success and institutional excellence.
This decision has raised serious concern because leadership should be evaluated carefully, fairly, based on their performance, and only after the Board has considered all relevant facts and perspectives, not by incomplete information, quick judgments, or decisions made without full transparency. We are all affected when a respected leader is asked to leave despite a strong record of service including modeling shared governance. Continued leadership turnover weakens morale, disrupts progress, and makes it harder to recruit and retain dedicated managers who are committed to serving our students and community.
We believe in accountability, but we also believe in fairness. Before making a decision that affects the future our college, the Board should listen to the faculty, staff, students, and community members who have worked alongside Dr. Dela Cruz and witnessed her leadership firsthand. A decision of this magnitude should not be made without fully considering the impact of her contributions and the voices of those who have experienced them.
Invest in leaders, not turnover. We ask the RSCCD Board of Trustees to reconsider this decision and choose stability, transparency, and respect for proven leadership, demonstrated results, and a continued commitment to student success.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
August 7, 2026
44 Comments
Maria has been a highly effective, competent, and equity-centered leader for the SAC Counseling department for a decade. She has also contributed significantly to SAC's efforts in the areas of Guided Pathways, Student Equity, the establishment of Affinity Programs and Centers, and in creating a collaborative and inclusive culture amongst faculty, classified professionals and administration in the Counseling Division. Her performance does not warrant the non-renewal of her contract.
Dr dela Cruz has always placed students at the center of the work she does! We need her to continue in her leadership role, so students can accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams!
Mrs. De La Cruz was instrumental in my adaptation to the college life and she is part of the reason I got admitted to UCLA! Not renewing her contract is a big mistake
Dr. Dela Cruz has consistently proven herself to be one of the strongest advocates for students and leaders on campus. From founding the affinity centers to genuinely supporting staff, her leadership sets the standard, which is clear in the deep trust she’s earned from students and faculty. We need her continued vision and dedication as Dean of Counseling.
· petition starter
Counseling-Maria is one of the few Managers in student services that understands shared governance and intentionally partners with faculty.
I get a lot of help from the people that work directly with her. They are all doing a great job and wish to continue to keep getting the same type of support. - student
Genuine people like Dr. Dela Cruz are rare. Her love and passion for her students and those she works with is clearly evident. It would be a shame not to renew her contract and keep her at Santa Ana College. Words should not be needed, as her actions and leading by example over the last 10 years have shown the reality of who she is and what she brings to the table for Santa Ana College. We need to be better and not lose sight of a gem when it’s right in front of us.
Our University of Alaska Fairbanks runs a student research intensive program with Maria through MESA. Maria has been a tremendous partner supporting this transformative, high impact research experience for students from both of our institutions. We are waiting to hear back from the National Science Foundation for news on a $5 million proposal we wrote together to build the program and create stronger transfer options for students to Alaska. Maria will be a PI on the grant and irreplaceable.
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Maria has been a highly effective, competent, and equity-centered leader for the SAC Counseling department for a decade. She has also contributed significantly to SAC's efforts in the areas of Guided Pathways, Student Equity, the establishment of Affinity Programs and Centers, and in creating a collaborative and inclusive culture amongst faculty, classified professionals and administration in the Counseling Division. Her performance does not warrant the non-renewal of her contract.