Cerritos College extends president’s contract
NORWALK - Cerritos College president Dr. Jose Fierro had his employment contract extended through 2026, a unanimous move by the college’s board of trustees.
Fierro’s contract wasn’t due to expire until June 20, 2025, but the extension approved by the board June 8 will keep Fierro at Cerritos College at least one additional year.
All other contract terms remain the same.
“Under Dr. Fierro’s administration, the College has made significant progress in advancing student-centered policies and innovative programs that have resulted in increased graduation and completion rates,” Cerritos College board president James Cody Birkey said in a statement.
“The Board is unanimously behind the extension to his contract. We have deep confidence in his leadership, continued investment in student success, campus-wide vision, and relationship-building within the communities we serve.
“We are very excited for the next four years with Dr. Fierro, working alongside him to support our students, faculty, and staff, and building this institution—inside and out—into one of Southeast LA’s most transformative assets.”
Fierro was hired as Cerritos College president in 2015 with an annual salary of $234,000. He received a 3.3% raise in 2019 and the promise of a $40,000 bonus if he remains with Cerritos College through June 30, 2023.
“I am grateful and incredibly humbled to have the Board’s support and confidence throughout my tenure as president of Cerritos College,” Fierro said in a statement. “Our accomplishments would not be possible without the tireless work of the faculty who provide an excellent education to our students, and for that, I am grateful to each of them.
“I am also thankful for our classified, confidential, and management teams and the Cerritos College community at large who share the same vision for helping our students to realize their goals and dreams.
“I look forward to more years working with all of you finding innovative ways to meet and exceed the needs of our students and community.”