Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi has 2 full-time jobs. What does the city charter allow?

Posted by author February 10, 2025 Jobs

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One month after being sworn in to office, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi continues to work at the full-time job she had before the November election as well as her $97,107 full-time job as mayor.

Fugazi, who has worked as an assistant principal at the Stockton Unified School District since July 2021, will keep her job at Stagg High School until the end of the 2024-25 school year, a spokesperson for the district confirmed in January.

However, it’s unclear if Stockton’s city charter allows the mayor to have a full-time job outside of her full-time mayoral position.

‘I am fulfilling the responsibilities of this office’

On Wednesday, The Record requested an interview with Fugazi regarding her appointment of Steve Colangelo, former chief executive officer of the troubled San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, as interim city manager.

In response, the mayor’s public information officer, Leenisha Ward, said that until June, the best way to reach the mayor would be by email due to her commitments as an assistant principal.

Section 1100 of the city charter states: “There shall be a mayor of the city of Stockton, elected pursuant to Section 602 of this charter, who shall be a member of the council. The mayor shall devote his or her full time to the office of mayor.”

Fugazi is adamant that she is committed to both roles and following all regulations.

“I am in full compliance with the law, the state of California, and the Stockton city charter,” she said in a written statement. “I am fulfilling, and exceeding, the responsibilities of this office.”

Through a city spokesperson, The Record requested an interview with City Attorney Lori Asuncion Wednesday for clarification on whether the city charter allows Fugazi to work full-time at the Stockton Unified School District while serving as mayor.

“Regarding your request to interview the city attorney about charter section 1100: The city attorney has recommended that you reach out to the mayor,” city spokesperson Connie Cochran said in an email Thursday.

Fugazi answered a list of questions regarding her interpretation of the charter section and her two roles through her public information officer, who sent the mayor’s responses by email Friday.

“The charter states that the mayor shall ‘devote his or her full time to the office of mayor.’ That is exactly what I do,” Fugazi said. “Being mayor is not a desk job. It is a role that requires leadership and responsiveness 24/7. Whether it’s handling emergencies at any hour, engaging with constituents, or driving policy initiatives, my dedication to this city is constant.”

In addition to presiding over council meetings and voting as a member of the council, the city charter states that the mayor has the power and duty to:

Review the items on the council’s agenda with the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk prior to each council meeting and add items if necessary.
Make recommendations to the council on matters of policy and programs which require council decision.
Make recommendations to the city manager on matters of policy and programs.
Direct those officials appointed by the council to prepare and provide information to the council on matters of policy and programs which require council decision.
Request budgetary and any other information from those officials appointed by the council that the mayor determines is necessary for the conduct of the mayor’s duties.
Recommend adjustments to the city budget and propose the modification or curtailment of any city service.
Appoint people to serve on advisory boards, commissions, and ad hoc committees.

Does the mayor plan to step down as assistant principal?

The mayor said she plans to step down from her role as assistant principal at the end of the school year. Until then, she is using “a pre-arranged allotment of leave days to meet necessary obligations.”

“There is no ‘9 to 5’ schedule for a mayor,” Fugazi said. “My work is dictated by the needs of the city, which means being available whenever and wherever I am needed. I take calls, attend meetings, and make decisions at all hours. No punch clock required.”

Fugazi provided no specifics about what days and hours constituents can expect her to be available at city hall and at Stagg. She also did not say how many leave days she was taking from Stagg.

“My role as mayor does not adhere to standard business hours,” Fugazi said. “It is an ongoing responsibility.”

When asked if she conducts city business during school hours, Fugazi said she “operate(s) with full transparency and in accordance with all regulations.”

Typically, assistant principals are expected to work on campus during student hours. At Stagg, classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. most weekdays, a bell schedule for the 2024-25 school year shows.

A job description for the district’s assistant principal role shows that assistant principals are responsible for assisting in the development of effective instructional programs, serving as administrative head of the school in the absence of the principal, and sharing in administering educational services, among other duties.

“As I have stated publicly, I made a commitment to my students before running for mayor that I would see them through this school year and their graduation,” Fugazi said. “That commitment does not diminish my responsibilities as mayor. It enhances them.”

She added: “I follow all policies and procedures regarding leave and have proper coverage in place when I am fulfilling my duties as mayor.”

Fugazi’s base pay for her role at Stagg in 2023 — the most recent year listed — was nearly $130,000, plus benefits, according to Transparent California.

Her monthly salary for the mayoral position is $8,092, according to a city ordinance approved in 2024.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.