Mesa parents, teachers protest recommended dismissal and raise data‑access concerns

Several parents and educators urged the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education on Jan. 27 to reconsider a recommendation to dismiss Lafayette Elementary teacher Melinda Karshner and to audit district staff access to student records.

Kristen Campbell, a parent of two Mesa Elementary students, said the school met her family’s needs and urged the board to “protect that environment” as it weighs personnel decisions. Multiple other parents described Karshner as an “exceptional” teacher whose removal would harm students’ continuity and learning.

Jennifer Rapp, a parent at Aspen Creek, focused on district data controls. She said the dismissal recommendation states Karshner “accessed Frontline to view records for students at her previous school” and asked why the teacher retained access after moving schools. “She had it. She was given it,” Rapp said, arguing the failure was in district systems and oversight rather than deliberate misuse.

Jared Karsher, another Aspen Creek parent, criticized the timing and audience for a campus email about a personnel matter and said the district placed students at risk by informing them during the school day. “Student privacy and student well‑being need to be considered together,” he said.

Several speakers urged the board to consider less disruptive alternatives while investigations proceed, such as revoking account access rather than removing a teacher from the classroom. Mark Milan argued the district should have used technical controls or temporary warnings instead of extended leaves that leave classes without teachers.

District staff did not provide additional factual findings during public comment; the board packet cited district policy JO (student records administration) in the dismissal materials. Speakers asked when the district will audit staff access privileges and whether the district will clarify who is responsible for granting or removing access.

The board did not take action during the public comment period; the recommended dismissal was presented as an information item to be considered under applicable statutes and board procedures. The district’s personnel processes and any formal findings remain part of the administrative record.

The board moves next into executive session to receive legal advice on a bond measure; no vote on personnel was recorded in open session at the Jan. 27 meeting.