Parents, staff urge Marysville Joint Unified trustees to keep Ella Elementary vice principal Susan Lima full time

Parents, teachers and students asked the Marysville Joint Unified School District board on April 14 to reverse a decision to reduce Ella Elementary’s vice principal, Susan Lima, to a part-time role.

Several speakers described Lima as a daily presence who deescalates crises and protects instructional time. “Just 5 minutes. That is all it takes for a playground disagreement to escalate into a safety concern without administrative oversight,” said Tammy Smith of Ella Elementary, who urged the board to restore a full-time vice principal. Student Jackson Lanini Ross told trustees, “When I need help, when things don't feel fair, I know I can talk to our vice principal. She always listens to my side of the story.”

Teachers and parents emphasized continuity and site-specific needs. Teacher Yuwa Chu provided campus figures to underscore the workload: “We currently have 3 foster youth, 46 homeless students, approximately 200 English learners, 85 students receiving special education services, 60 students receiving speech services, and 27 suspensions this year,” and warned that a 50% vice principal would not meet the school’s daily needs. Teacher Heather Heap and community member Dennis Ross said reducing the role would remove a trusted adult and a safety net for students.

Supporters urged trustees to weigh data and relationships before finalizing assignments. No formal action on the staffing decision was taken during the meeting; the remarks were given during the public-comment period. The board approved unrelated consent items and announced it will meet next on April 28.