CCSF Chancellor Placed on Paid Administrative Leave
The board has launched an independent investigation into allegations of financial impropriety.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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City College of San Francisco students and staff are facing new leadership uncertainty after the board of trustees placed Chancellor Kimberlee Messina on paid administrative leave this week. The move follows a formal complaint alleging financial impropriety within the district.
Why it matters
This investigation into the college’s highest office follows a period of significant turnover, with the institution seeing ten different chancellors over the last 15 years. The public inquiry into these allegations will determine the immediate future of the college’s executive leadership.
The investigation concerns alleged financial irregularities regarding a $350,000 annual salary, marking a new chapter in a period that has seen 10 different chancellors at CCSF over the last 15 years. The final outcome of the independent review of district funds remains unknown.
The players
Kimberlee Messina
The City College of San Francisco Chancellor currently on paid administrative leave.
Mary Grace Esteban
The executive assistant who submitted the allegations of financial impropriety to the board.
David Yee
The appointee considered by the board to serve as the temporary acting chancellor.
The details
The board of trustees placed Chancellor Kimberlee Messina on leave after executive assistant Mary Grace Esteban submitted allegations on September 4 regarding unapproved stipends, cash, and vacation days. The board confirmed the initiation of an independent investigation to ensure the integrity of the review. Trustees were scheduled to consider the appointment of David Yee as temporary acting chancellor on October 8.
Timeline
September 4, 2026: Executive assistant submitted allegations to the board.
September 11, 2026: Board President confirmed the existence of an investigation.
October 6, 2026: The board placed Chancellor Messina on paid administrative leave.
October 8, 2026: The board meeting to consider an acting chancellor.
Across the Bay
This investigation into the chancellor follows a pattern of high-level instability, extending the college's long history of leadership turnover. With 10 chancellors in 15 years, this latest disruption adds to a record of organizational turbulence at the institution.
Staff and students should monitor the college board portal for updates on who will serve as the temporary acting chancellor. These leadership changes may affect upcoming administrative decisions and district-wide policy rollouts.
The takeaway
The sudden departure of the chancellor highlights the ongoing volatility in City College leadership. Residents and students should follow the board of trustees' public session minutes for updates on the independent investigator's timeline.
What happens next
The board of trustees held a meeting on October 8, 2026, to consider the appointment of an acting chancellor to lead the district during the ongoing investigation.
Further reading
For more on the figures shaping our local institutions, visit the San Francisco People section.
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