Former Beaumont USD Superintendent Appointed To Top Job In Banning USD

BANNING, CA — A Pass Area educator who has undergone some controversy is now serving as superintendent of the Banning Unified School District.

Terrence Davis stepped into his new role May 2 after his contract was approved during an April 27 BUSD board meeting.

Prior to his appointment, he was serving as the BUSD's assistant superintendent of human resources since September 2020.

He is following in the footsteps of BUSD Superintendent Dr. Natasha Baker, who on May 1 began serving as chief academic officer in the Fresno Unified School District. Baker served as the BUSD leader for two years before her departure.

Prior to his recent service in the BUSD, in August 2020 Davis resigned as superintendent of the Beaumont Unified School District "for personal reasons." His departure followed news that he was placed on paid administrative leave, but details from the Beaumont USD about why the move was taken were never publicly released.

"On August 11, 2020, the Beaumont Unified School District Board of Trustees took action to place Superintendent Terrence Davis on paid administrative leave. Due to employee confidentiality laws, the District cannot further comment on this matter," a Beaumont USD statement read.

The Beaumont USD statement continued, "Please be aware that comments and allegations posted on social media outlets are not necessarily factual nor accurate."

From 2012 to 2016, Davis acted as assistant superintendent in the Beaumont USD before his 2016 appointment to superintendent in the district, a post that lasted until his 2020 resignation.

In a released statement about his new role in the Banning district, Davis said, "I am honored and delighted to take on the position of Superintendent at Banning Unified. This is a District that is rich in opportunity and promise, and I look forward to supporting and working with our amazing staff, faculty, families, and community for the continued success of our students."

Davis has served in multiple posts at Alvord Unified, Temecula Valley Unified, and Beaumont Unified school districts, with 10 years in the field of special education as a teacher, specialist and program director, according to a news release from the Banning USD.

Davis holds a master’s degree in special education from National University and is pursuing his doctorate, "with graduation imminent in the near future," according to the release.

"We are excited to have Terrence Davis step in as the new Superintendent of Banning Unified School District,” Banning USD Board President Leslie Sattler said in a released statement. "Mr. Davis will be a great asset to our District, both as a leader of District staff and as an advocate for parents, students, and staff."