The Covina-Valley Unified School District board fired the district’s superintendent Monday and appointed an interim leader without characterizing the termination publicly.

Elizabeth Eminhizer was released from her contract in a closed-session meeting Monday morning.

“Effective immediately, Dr. Jonathan Blackmore has agreed to serve as acting superintendent,” the district said in a statement. “Dr. Blackmore brings with him deep experience and a strong understanding of C-VUSD’s goals and values, having served the district for more than a decade. The district is confident in his ability to provide steady guidance and ensure continuity for students, staff and the community.”

Until assuming the district’s top school post, Blackmore was its director of communications.

Eminhizer assumed the position in June 2020 after serving as assistant superintendent of educational services for six years. She joined the district in 2011 as director of educational services. She was set to be recognized this month in Washington, D.C., as one of 25 Superintendents to Watch, chosen among 70 nominees nationwide by the National School Public Relations Association.

Honorees are school district leaders who have fewer than five years experience as a superintendent and are dynamic leaders with strong communication skills, according to the association.

In January, Eminhizer acknowledged the award and said it is “a testament to the power of collaboration, communication and the commitment of our Board of Education and the entire C-VUSD staff as we engage all students, families and the community.”

Covina-Valley Unified School District serves 11,331 K-12 students in 19 school and adult education facilities in Covina, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas and Irwindale.

The statement released Monday said “the district remains committed to providing steady leadership during this transition and to thoughtfully continuing the strategic initiatives already in place, with an ongoing focus on supporting the entire district community.”