The Rio Hondo College board of trustees had a session on Wednesday, May 14, firing Marilyn Flores, the superintendent and president of Rio Hondo College. This surprised students, Flores, and district stakeholders.

They announced Flores’ firing in an email to the college. The board president, Oscar Valladares, said that they have parted ways with Flores and that Don Moya Miller, assistant superintendent, will take over temporarily.

She became president of the college in 2022 after a unanimous vote. Her contract was just renewed in November for three years, from July 2025 to June 2028. 

“I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have already received upon the sudden announcement,” she said. “I cannot conceive of any legitimate reason for it, especially since the board renewed my contract just six months ago in November for another three years.”

Flores states that it was a total surprise and that this decision was made without cause.