The Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously this morning to place Superintendent Dr. Jesus M. Gandara on administrative leave. 

The leave, which became effective immediately, will last through September 1, when Gandara’s separation from the district will become permanent. From now until September 1, Gandara will use his remaining vacation, sick leave and administrative leave. 

“This is a time for healing,” Board President John McCann said at the meeting. “We are starting a new school year and we will embark on many challenges. I am hoping that the focus changes from politics to kids learning. 

“We are going to move this district forward,” McCann said. 

The decision was made after a seven-hour closed session in which the board decided several administrative appointments, conducted the superintendent’s evaluation and negotiated a separation agreement. 

The terms of the agreement include:

• the superintendent using his vacation and sick days, along with administrative leave to constitute his duty days through Sept. 1, 2011
• paying the superintendent 18 months severance, but his expense allowance and his automobile stipends will be suspended immediately.
• the value of his health benefits for the duration of the leave will be deducted from his 18-month severance. 

The Board of Trustees is continuing the meeting at 8 p.m. tonight to consider the appointment of an interim superintendent. The meeting will be held at Southwest High School, 1685 Hollister St., San Diego.