Teachers and staff urge board to address Tunnel Elementary leadership, cite hostile work climate

Multiple Tunnel Elementary staff used the public‑comment period to tell the Santa Maria‑Bonita School District board they have experienced a hostile work climate under assistant principal April Scott and to ask the board to take steps to restore trust.

"Over time, I have been increasingly targeted by Miss Scott," said Sandra Jay, who identified herself as a school counselor at Tunnel Elementary and read a statement on behalf of a colleague who feared retaliation. Jay said staff were frequently singled out for criticism, subjected to disproportionate scrutiny, and that confrontational communications and unannounced meetings created an uncomfortable and at times hostile work environment.

Jasmine Trevino, a teacher and parent, said a surprise cabinet visit to Tunnel left staff feeling "scolded and silenced" and reported being told April Scott "will continue to be your assistant principal," a statement Trevino said undermined staff concerns. Trevino asked the board to send new, experienced administration to Tunnel and to meet with staff on site so the board could hear both successes and problems directly from employees.

Cathy D'Avas, speaking as a teacher, told the board the site failed to complete required safety drills earlier in the year and described a lockdown drill where roughly 270 young students were routed through a congested hallway. "For most of the school year, Tunnel did not complete the required fire drills, earthquake drills, or lockdown drills," she said, noting the issue had been compounded by unreliable bell and intercom systems.

An anonymous group statement read by Amy Whitford said many staff fear retaliation for speaking openly and contended that removing the assistant principal from campus without publicly addressing the underlying concerns did not resolve the workplace climate. Whitford summarized the message as a request that "the board is responsible for ensuring that district leadership reflects the values and standards the district promotes."

Speakers said some complaints had been raised previously with district staff; several asked the board to investigate, provide stable leadership at Tunnel, and publicly acknowledge the steps it will take to prevent retaliation. The public comments acknowledged a recent reassignment of April Scott to a district office role but said that staff remain concerned that the reassignment alone did not address the issues they had documented.

The board did not reach a vote or make a formal personnel determination during the public‑comment period. Several board members later thanked staff for speaking and acknowledged the seriousness of allegations and the need to ensure staff can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. The board indicated follow‑up would be handled through the district's administrative processes and future agenda items if appropriate.