COD President’s Contract Wins 5-0 Approval

Split Board Unifies to Approve COD Superintendent / President’s Contract

PALM DESERT — It was balm for the soul to see and hear College of the Desert’s Board of Trustees come together and vote unanimously to approve a 3-year contract for newly-named Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia.

He was appointed on a split 3-2 vote with Board Chair Ron Oden and Trustee Mark Meyer voting no.

After all the drama surrounding a new president, marred by starts, stops, investigations and more, the unanimous vote signaled a desire to move forward for the sake of maintaining receiving accreditation.

Martinez Garcia’s contract includes an annual salary of $375,000.. The Superintendent/President will receive an allowance of $1,000 per month for the use of the Superintendent/President’s personal vehicle. The Superintendent/President will also be entitled to receive the same health and welfare and fringe benefits offered to 12-month academic managers and in an amount not to exceed the benefit amount received by 12-month academic managers pursuant to the District’s policies and procedures.

Unanimous support for the contract was punctuated by words of congratulations from students; staff; and trustees, even Oden and Meyer, both of whom pledged to work with Martinez Garcia.

“First, let me congratulate Mr. Val Martinez Garcia on his selection as our next Superintendent/President” Meyer said. “I trust that he will work effectively with faculty, classified staff, and most importantly our students. After all, student success is the goal we all share. President Martinez Garcia will have my commitment to working together in good faith. I will do what I can—within reason—to support his efforts and ensure the continued progress of College of the Desert.”

Oden echoed Meyer’s sentiments

The unwavering support rendered Martinez Garcia verklempt and emotional when making his own remarks.

Martinez Garcia brings more than two decades of transformative leadership in higher education to the Coachella Valley. His career exemplifies a deep commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and community partnership,