[San Diego Union-Tribune] The San Dieguito Union High School Board voted quietly Sunday to fire Superintendent Cheryl James-Ward after two and a half months of controversy surrounding comments she made linking Asian student academic performance to an influx of wealthy Chinese immigrant families.

The four-member board voted unanimously in a meeting Sunday evening to terminate James-Ward’s contract without cause effective Aug. 15. Trustee Michael Allman announced the decision after the board met in closed session for two and a half hours. None of the board members commented further on their decision before adjourning the meeting.

"The vote was unanimous and I wish Ms. Ward well," Board President Maureen "Mo" Muir said in an email Monday. "It’s time for the district to move forward again."

Trustees Allman, Katrina Young and Julie Bronstein declined to comment Monday.

James-Ward’s contract was set to expire in June 2025. Because she is being terminated without cause, her contract allows her to be paid a year’s salary as a buyout. She was being paid a $288,000 annual salary.

"Thank you to every teacher, school leader, student, parent and community member that has supported me through this ordeal," James-Ward said in a statement Tuesday.