On Tuesday, her foil, drama teacher Ron Martin — who directed Corona del Mar High’s production of “Rent,” which Asrani had initially tried to cancel — was placed on administrative leave, according to his Facebook page.
Laura Boss, spokesperson for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, confirmed Wednesday that Martin was put on leave, saying it was a “personnel matter,” but had no further comment at this time.
Martin claims that he was put on leave following rumors that he boasted about getting “a certain staff member fired.”
Curious chain of events
Asrani has said repeatedly that her resignation never was related to the “Rent” controversy.
She was appointed to the Antioch district at its Oct. 14 meeting, the Contra Costa Times reported.
Asrani is believed to have signed a written contract to begin working this August as an assistant superintendent with the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, which was formed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to improve 10 of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s most at-risk high schools.
An assistant superintendent position is the traditional next step up for a school administrator.
In the 2008-09 school year, Asrani’s salary was $146,557, including stipends and longevity pay raises. In addition, Asrani was paid $3,250 in mileage reimbursements and $600 in communication reimbursements, Boss said.
“She had been looking for an assistant superintendent position, but there was no hidden agenda behind that,” Boss said. “She had made it clear last year, before all the controversy started.”
But it appears the contract was canceled; no reason has been given yet by the Partnership.
