By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — A member of the Compton College Board of Trustees publicly announced her resignation Jan. 12.
“Trustee Barbara Jean Calhoun submitted her letter of resignation via email to the President/CEO’s Office immediately after the Board of Trustees adjourned on Monday, January 12 meeting,” the school said when contacted for comment.
The school released Calhoun’s resignation letter under a California Public Records Act request.
“It has truly been my honor to represent my district and work with the extraordinary college administration, staff and fellow board members,” wrote Calhoun. She also made herself available for any volunteer opportunities that should arise.
“This is not goodbye, I will be watching and sometimes attending board meetings in the audience.”
Calhoun did not provide a reason for her resignation, however, community members speculate it is because she no longer lives in the district.
“Ms. Calhoun sold her Compton home in late 2024 and after throwing a New Year’s Eve party at her reported home in Gardena it is believed her resignation was timed to avoid further scrutiny,” said a community member who attended the party and declined to be identified.
Under Calhoun’s leadership at the college, enrollment has increased, the board extended Keith Curry’s position as president/CEO and embarked on a landmark student housing project.
According to her biography on the college’s website, Calhoun served two consecutive terms, in 2003 and 2007, on the Compton City Council. She also served on the Compton school board from 2001 to 2003.
Calhoun currently works in the office of state Sen. Laura Richardson.
The college will work within established guidelines to fill the vacancy created by Calhoun’s resignation. Calhoun’s seat covers Trustee Area 2 which includes portions of Compton and unincorporated Willowbrook.
“The Compton Community College District Board of Trustees’ next steps will be guided by California Education Code 5091 and Compton Board Policy 2100 and the authority to determine how the seat will be filled rests solely with the Board of Trustees, not the President/CEO Keith Curry,” said the college.
In 2021, the board was tasked with filling a vacancy after Deborah LeBlanc resigned from her position as a member of the board. The board chose to accept applications and made a provisional appointment in less than 30 days.
Calhoun was elected Nov. 5, 2024, and her term ends in 2028.
Her resignation is effective Feb. 1.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
