After 24 years of service to the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District (NCLUSD), Caralyn Mendoza is stepping away from her role as Chief Business Official (CBO) under circumstances she describes as “without cause.” In a letter posted on Facebook addressing her departure, Mendoza reflected on her tenure, expressing gratitude for the years she spent working for the district while acknowledging the unexpected nature of her dismissal.
Mendoza’s career with NCLUSD was deeply rooted in student-focused leadership, financial stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to transparency. She began her time in the district in student services, working as a career technician, Dropout Prevention specialist, and curriculum clerk before moving into business operations. These roles shaped her approach to financial planning, ensuring that every budget decision prioritized the needs of students, staff, and long-term institutional stability.
“When it came to budget cuts, we worked hard to keep them away from the classroom,” Mendoza wrote in her letter to NCLUSD employees, which she later shared publicly on Facebook. “We planned ahead, used employee attrition when needed, and prioritized long-range strategies that protected students and staff.”…