Confidentiality Breach Halts Presidential Search

Unidentified Confidentiality Breach Stops Search for COD Superintendent/President Search

PALM DESERT — After careful deliberation, Bonnie Stefan, chair of the search committee for College of the Desert’s next Superintendent/President, has made the “difficult but necessary decision to cancel the current search,” due to a confidentiality breach, according to a college-issued statement.

“This decision reflects College of the Desert’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, equity, and trust, which are critical in the selection of the next leader,” according to the statement.

“Unfortunately, a reported breach of confidentiality by one or more members of the Presidential Search Committee has compromised the fairness and trust that are fundamental to this process,” according to the statement.

The Presidential Search Committee is comprised of 19 members who were approved in August. All took an oath to keep applicants” names and information confidential.

Nicholas Robles, interim public information officer & interim director of educational partnerships would not say exactly what the data breach was but said it was “serious enough to cancel the search.”

He could not say whether there will be a formal investigation.

“College of the Desert is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability in its Superintendent/President search process,” he said,’

The Board of Trustees will discuss the next steps during a future meeting to ensure a thoughtful and inclusive path forward, he said.

In June 2024, trustees unanimously approved hiring AGB Search to spearhead the effort to find the next permanent superintendent/president. AGB presented a timeline to the Board at an Aug. 16 meeting. The plan laid out deadlines for each step of the search to maintain transparency regarding the proceedings and to stay on schedule. According to these plans, a new Superintendent/President could be named by late February 2025.