Former SUSD superintendent John Ramirez Jr. arrested on DUI charges

Former Stockton Unified School District superintendent John Ramirez Jr. was arrested Aug. 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Stockton Police officers responded at 9:52 p.m. Aug. 25 to a report of a possible DUI driver at March Lane and St. Andrews Drive. Police said officers saw signs of intoxication and gave Ramirez preliminary blood alcohol test, which showed a blood alcohol level of .225%.

Ramirez, 51, was arrested and booked into San Joaquin County Jail on charges of driving under the influence. He was released Friday.

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Ramirez resigned June 9 after just more than a year as superintendent, citing he needed to care for his elderly parents.

Stockton Unified released the following statement on Ramirez's arrest:

"Mr. John Ramirez Jr. is no longer the superintendent of Stockton Unified School District. He has no contact with students or employees. He is no longer working in a capacity as superintendent and is no longer on any school sites or buildings."

Ramirez's separation agreement with the district states from for a year starting June 30 he would serve as superintendent emeritus, reporting directly to the board, providing transition assistance to SUSD and receive the same salary and benefits that he received as superintendent, minus a travel stipend and vacation days.

In light of his arrest, Ramirez has now been put on leave, said Melinda Meza, SUSD director of communications, marketing and media relations.

More: Top Stockton Unified School business official Marcus Battle's resignation continues trend

Less than a month after Ramirez's departure, The San Joaquin County Grand Jury released a scathing report showing financial mismanagement, poor business practices and a lack of transparency at Stockton Unified.

Record reporter Ben Irwin covers Stockton and San Joaquin County government. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @B1rwin. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow. 

This article originally appeared on The Record: Former SUSD superintendent John Ramirez Jr. arrested on DUI charges