San Francisco City College Chancellor Under Investigation for Alleged Financial Misconduct

The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is facing an investigation into its chancellor, Kimberlee Messina, who is accused of padding her $350,000 salary through alleged financial improprieties. The college's board of trustees has launched a formal inquiry into the allegations, which include receiving unauthorized stipends, phantom vacation days, and improper use of college funds.

According to a letter from Board President Aliya Chisti to Chancellor Messina, the investigation will be "prompt, thorough, and impartial." The allegations stem from claims made by Messina's executive assistant, who reportedly stated that the chancellor received a monthly stipend and a salary exceeding board-approved amounts without proper authorization. The assistant also alleged that Messina's vacation balance remained at 25 days despite her taking time off in August and October of the previous year.

Further claims suggest that travel requests were circumvented, being sent to the vice chancellor of finance instead of the board for approval. Additionally, a former interim vice chancellor of finance allegedly received payments that were improperly characterized. The executive assistant also claimed Messina directed her to use an attendance spreadsheet for tracking work hours, a practice not previously employed, and to use a college credit card for a staff lunch despite human resources guidance against it.

Concerns have also been raised regarding Messina's attempts to alter the contract of the college district's top lawyer. The lawyer, licensed in Massachusetts, was reportedly required to pass the California bar exam by last July to continue serving as counsel, a requirement Messina allegedly sought to change.

Messina is currently in the third year of a three-year contract that is set to conclude in June 2028. She is the 13th chancellor to lead CCSF in the past 11 years. The institution, which serves nearly 43,000 students, has experienced significant administrative turnover and has grappled with financial and accreditation challenges, exacerbated by declining enrollment and the elimination of tuition for San Francisco residents in 2017.

Messina's prior experience includes serving as the president of Spokane Falls Community College in Washington and a ten-year tenure as a tenured faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College. She holds degrees from California State University, Sacramento, and an Ed.D. from the University of California, Davis.

The Post has reached out to CCSF's public information department, the executive assistant, and Messina for comment.