Former Beaumont USD Superintendent Davis Tapped In Banning USD

BANNING, CA — The Banning Unified School District has selected Terrence Davis, former Beaumont Unified School District superintendent, to serve as its assistant superintendent of human resources.

The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon by Banning USD Superintendent Dr. Natasha Baker, who said Davis' selection was supported by the full Banning USD Board of Trustees.

Two other Banning USD executive cabinet selections were also announced. Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush will serve as chief academic officer and Craig McAlpin as chief business officer, according to Baker.

Tuesday's news comes on the heels of an announcement last month from the Beaumont USD that Davis had been placed on paid administrative leave, but details from that district 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.

"We understand the concern from our staff, students, families, and community members regarding this change," the Beaumont USD statement continued. "Please be aware that comments and allegations posted on social media outlets are not necessarily factual nor accurate."

On Aug. 17, Davis resigned from the Beaumont USD "for personal reasons."

During Tuesday's news briefing, Baker said the three cabinet members were picked following a nationwide search utilizing a consulting firm hired by the district.

Questions about the selection of Davis were addressed during Tuesday's briefing. The Banning USD officials who spoke during the event praised Davis, and said he comes with excellent credentials, achievements and awards.

"We're picking the best person for the job," officials said.

Davis took over as Beaumont USD superintendent July 9, 2016 following the retirement of Superintendent Maureen Latham. At the time, Davis was unanimously appointed by the Beaumont USD board. He had been serving as the district's assistant superintendent of human resources prior to the appointment.

Before his work in Beaumont, Davis served in the Temecula Valley USD for nearly three years. In 2012, while serving as the district's director of human resources, he accepted a position with the Beaumont USD.

Prior to TVUSD, Davis taught in the Alvord Unified School District.

During Tuesday's news briefing, Baker complimented her new cabinet. Causey-Bush brings 27 years of education experience to the district, most recently serving as director of teaching and learning with the Fontana Unified School District, according to the Banning USD.

McAlpin has been in fiscal education management since 2007, according to the Banning USD. He comes to the district by way of Anaheim Elementary School District, where he served as director of fiscal and administrative services.

Baker outlined seven goals for the cabinet that include: accelerating student achievement; creating and sustaining organizational management systems; increasing parent and community engagement; implementing a clearly defined and consistent human resources management system; maintaining fiscal responsibility and long-term financial viability; sustaining and streamlining productive relationships with the Board of Trustees; and demonstrating values-based, equitable and ethical leadership.

Following Davis' resignation from the Beaumont USD, on Aug. 18 that district's Board of Trustees held a special meeting and took action to appoint Dr. Maureen Latham as interim superintendent. Latham is serving in the role pending the search and selection of a new Beaumont USD superintendent.

Latham previously served as the Beaumont USD superintendent from 2012 to 2016.