Parents, students urge Poway Unified to reverse non‑reelection of Westview teacher Shane Dillon

Public commenters at Poway Unified School Board’s Feb. 26 meeting urged the district to reverse a decision not to reelect Westview teacher and coach Shane Dillon, saying the outcome harms students and followed a flawed or incomplete evaluation process.

Mitchell Donnelly, a Westview biology teacher and head football coach, opened the group of supporters by asking the board to "pause, reevaluate" and consider whether non‑reselection is in students’ best interests. “Our students love Shane Dillon,” Donnelly said, and later asked why Dillon’s recent evaluation and a liaison’s knowledge of the decision did not align with what staff and families experienced.

Several students testified that Dillon provides emotional support, mentorship and stability. Senior Matthew Guimond said he had played varsity football under Dillon for two years and described Dillon as “more than just a teacher,” adding that Dillon has been a crucial role model. Junior Dylan Walsh told trustees Dillon had been a father figure who “makes our school feel like home.” Sophomore Eitan Davis described Dillon’s door as always open during a personal crisis and asked the board to invite Dillon back for the 2026–27 school year.

Instructional staff and parents described classroom organization and supports for students with IEPs. Valerie Andreasi, a special‑education instructional assistant who worked in Dillon’s class, said his procedures were “well organized for the special ed students” and that he created a safe space. Parent Elena Porter, a 27‑year classroom veteran, said Dillon had been denied opportunities for consistent growth because of frequent class switching and asked the district to reconsider so Dillon may continue supporting students with disabilities.

Several public speakers raised procedural questions. Donnelly and others asked why Dillon’s most recent evaluation (Jan. 4) was not included in the paperwork used to justify non‑reelection and why a PPAP liaison reportedly on campus had not been informed of the personnel decision. Commenters asked whether an additional administrator could have conducted or reviewed the evaluation given recent campus disruptions.

Board clerk enforcement of the three‑minute speaker limit cut one speaker short, but the board allowed a large number of testimonies and closed the public‑comment period after everyone who signed in had an opportunity to speak.

The board did not take immediate action on the public comments; the item at which many speakers were addressing personnel matters was not on the consent report posted for that item. Trustees later continued with the published agenda, and formal personnel resolutions or next steps were handled through separate agenda items and staff recommendations.

The board meeting record shows public comment concluded before the board moved on to consent items and to informational presentations. The board did not announce any immediate reversal of the personnel decision at the time of the public testimony.