Einstein Academy and former foundation CEO Jeffrey Shapiro are going “in a different direction,” according to an official with the charter school.

The move follows a pair of special meetings in the last week by board members.

“I can confirm that he’s no longer the CEO,” Alvarado said. “The organization and the board decided to go in a different direction. I know myself and several other board members wish Jeffrey Shapiro the best in all of his future endeavors.”

AEALAS Foundation Governing board member Byron Alvarado said he couldn’t discuss the details of Shapiro’s departure because it was a personnel matter.

The board made the move April 3, he said.

An agenda item on the board’s April 3 special meeting listed discussion of “Charter School Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release,”  according to a closed session agenda posted online.

“I am in the process of leaving Einstein to pursue a significant opportunity,” Shapiro said Thursday. “I do expect to work with Einstein to ensure a smooth transition.”

The school has yet to name a new CEO, but the search for a replacement is underway.

One school official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person said they weren’t authorized to speak for the foundation, said officials were notified of the change April 11.

A copy of Shapiro’s contract with the AEALAS Foundation dated July 2013, obtained in a public records request, states an annual base salary of $175,000 for the position.

According to the contract:
“For each additional school that is opened and operated by AEALAS, Employee shall receive an additional $20,000 each year (not prorated) in the form of a $20,000 increase in salary at the time each additional school’s charter is approved, with a maximum annual salary of $275,000. After this salary cap is achieved and/or when Employer contribution to 403(b) exceeds $50,000/year, Employer will establish a pension fund for Employee, depositing all excess 403(b) monies and $20,000 per school at the time each additional school’s charter is approved.”