Merced City Schools interim superintendent leaving for new top job, and it’s not far away

The interim superintendent of the Merced City School District announced Wednesday he’s leaving his position to accept a new job as the superintendent of the Chowchilla Elementary School District.

Doug Collins has been the interim superintendent since his predecessor, Al Rogers, left the district amid allegations of sexual assault in July last year.

Rogers, who was the replacement for longtime superintendent RoseMary Parga Duran, had barely been in his position for a year before the accusations came to light.

Prior to advancing to the district’s top job, Collins was the deputy superintendent under Rogers.

Meanwhile, Merced City School Board is still in an active search for a permanent superintendent to replace Rogers.

Collins, who sent a message to district parents and staff on Wednesday, said it was “a difficult decision” to leave the district but that he anticipates the new job in Chowchilla, which he’ll start on July 1.

“I am proud of the service and work we have accomplished together in MCSD over the last 19 years,” Collins wrote. “I value the relationships that have been forged with the community over these many years as we have worked together to do our best for our children.”

Collins and district officials weren’t immediately available for comment on Thursday morning.