Can the board dismiss the director for unsatisfactory job performance without having given the director any prior warnings regarding the director’s performance or conduct?

Generally, no.
If the dismissal is based on “grossly inefficient job performance,” the board may dismiss the director without having given the director any prior warnings regarding the director’s performance or conduct. However, the board still must follow the State Personnel Commission rules requiring a pre-dismissal conference and written notice of dismissal.
The board may not dismiss the director for an incident involving unsatisfactory job performance (other than grossly inefficient job performance) unless the board has given the director two prior written warnings regarding the director’s performance or conduct.