Parents Demand End to Retaliation at Irvine International Academy

The Orange County Board of Education convened on June 3, 2025, to address various issues concerning local schools, particularly focusing on the Irvine International Academy (IIA) and concerns raised by parents regarding retaliation and financial transparency.

The meeting began with public comments, where Geneva Bailey, a parent from Irvine, expressed her support for Tiffany Craft and other parents facing retaliation from schools, including IIA. Bailey recounted her experiences with alleged misconduct by school officials, including the misuse of student records and intimidation tactics aimed at parents questioning school policies. She urged the board to ensure objective investigations into such matters, emphasizing that taxpayer funds should not be used to retaliate against parents advocating for their children’s rights.

Following Bailey, Tiffany Craft, also a parent at IIA, shared her gratitude for the school but voiced concerns over recent leadership changes that she believes have strayed from the school's charter. Craft described her experiences of being publicly attacked for raising questions about IIA's financial practices, highlighting a culture of fear that discourages parental involvement and transparency. She called on the board to intervene and protect parents from retaliation.

Ellen Strassma, a retired librarian and volunteer at IIA, echoed Craft's sentiments, noting the need for better communication and transparency between the school administration and parents. She pointed out that recent changes in school policies have created confusion and concern among parents.

Deborah Kam, a chair on the Office of Administrative Hearings Special Education Advisory Committee, warned of the dangers of retaliation against parents who raise legitimate concerns. She described a pattern of behavior where parents are discredited and marginalized, often leading to severe consequences such as police involvement based on unfounded allegations. Kam urged the board to ensure unbiased investigations into IIA and to uphold the rights of parents to voice their grievances without fear of retaliation.

The public comment segment concluded with a commitment from the board to address these issues later in the meeting. The board then moved on to the consent calendar, which was approved unanimously.

As the meeting progressed, the board acknowledged the need for further discussions regarding the IIA and the concerns raised by parents. The board's commitment to transparency and accountability will be crucial in addressing the issues highlighted during public comments, ensuring that parents feel safe and supported in advocating for their children's education.