Parents and students decry Tide Academy closure; district outlines transition plan and reports initial enrollments

Dozens of parents, students and community members at the Sequoia Union High School District board meeting on March 4 urged trustees to reverse or delay the board’s February decision to close Tide Academy, while district officials outlined a transition plan and early enrollment figures.

The public comment period featured emotional appeals and allegations of inadequate outreach and transparency. Johanna Mahal, who said she will lead recall efforts against three trustees, told the board, “Crystal Leach is the completely inept superintendent … She needs to go,” and urged community organizing if the court process fails. Student Christopher Chen, identifying himself as a Tide student trustee, said the core benefit at Tide was the ‘‘safety that only a small school can really offer’’ and warned the district against sacrificing the roughly 200 Tide students to larger campuses.

Why it matters: Tide families and staff said they received mixed or late communication about alternatives and transition details. That has fueled distrust and legal challenges; community leaders repeatedly asked for a written transition plan earlier than the district had shared one publicly.

District response and commitments District administrators said they are taking steps to place students and staff without layoffs and to preserve key Tide academic elements. Associate Superintendent Bonnie Hanson said the district arranged staff visits to other campuses and is not doing layoffs this year because of transfers and placement work. Hanson told the board staff members will submit placement preferences by March 15 and that site vacancies and student needs will guide assignments.

Simone Rick Kennel, Tide principal, and Woodside Principal Karen Van Putten outlined programming plans for students who choose Woodside. Van Putten said the district seeks to keep the two CTE pathways (computer science and game design), maintain dual‑enrollment courses, and replicate the Tide advisory program (Nucleus) within Woodside’s schedule where feasible. The principals described campus tours, shadow days and a ‘‘Walk on the Wild Side’’ event attended by students and families.

Enrollment numbers and logistics In response to a trustee question, district staff reported preliminary counts. As of last Friday, 60 of 198 Tide families had filled out paperwork indicating a selection for next year. The staff provided a grade‑and‑site breakdown (reported by the district as last‑Friday totals): ten‑through‑twelve breakdowns and site totals including Menlo Atherton (33), Sequoia (12), Woodside (9) and smaller numbers at Carlmont and East Palo Alto sites. District staff said they will run another count this Friday and perform targeted outreach for families who have not yet responded.

Transportation and cohort size remain unresolved. Van Putten said transportation needs will be evaluated once selections are final and existing routes can be assessed. Staff said cohort minimums and the exact replication of advisory structures require further logistical planning.

Community reaction and next steps Public speakers and union representatives said the district’s communications and the decision timeline have deepened community distrust. Edith Salvatore, speaking for the Sequoia District Teachers Association, said staff and families still lack clarity and urged the board to provide more details. Several speakers said they will pursue legal and recall actions; Johanna Mahal said the recall effort will proceed regardless of court outcomes.

District officials asked for time to complete outreach and finalize placements; they committed to updated enrollment counts and additional written communications. The board did not reverse its February vote during the meeting; the Tide transition update will continue as an informational and action item in future board work.

The board is expected to receive updated enrollment counts and additional staff placement details in the coming week.