Parents and staff demand transparency after sudden Murdoch principal removal; Rolando families raise safety concerns

Multiple parents, staff and an education specialist used the board’s public‑comment period to demand transparency and additional support after abrupt leadership changes and recurring safety incidents at La Mesa‑Spring Valley elementary schools.

Mariah Bartmas, who identified herself as a school social worker at Murdoch Elementary, said the school community has been thrown into confusion after Principal Megan Young was removed the prior Tuesday. "She was a comforting presence," Bartmas said, arguing the sudden removal has left students and staff distressed and that families deserve "a dignified process that respects her legacy and prioritizes the well‑being of the Murdoch community." Several speakers reported students were upset and struggling to make sense of the change.

Nicole Nevan, a long‑time Murdoch parent and former PTA executive board member, said the district’s communications were "boilerplate" and insufficient. "The actions taken by this district were traumatic for students that thrive on continuity," Nevan said, adding that the timing undercut a major PTA fundraiser she leads and eroded confidence in district leadership.

Susan Montague, an education specialist who said she served as an admin designee and on Murdoch’s instructional leadership team, described the principal as "student centered" and said the lack of public information about staffing decisions has damaged staff morale and led to rumors. Mary Rutledge, another Murdoch parent, described the decision as "traumatizing for families" and urged the board to disclose more about the process.

Separately, Laura Donano, a parent at Rolando Elementary, told trustees she had heard numerous reports of on‑campus violence including teachers being physically assaulted, students being harmed, chairs and desks being thrown and repeated law‑enforcement visits in February. Donano cited district policy 0450 on comprehensive safety plans and asked how the district ensures that families are notified when law enforcement is repeatedly present. "No family should ever have to weigh physical safety against educational opportunity," she said, urging the board to act "with urgency, clarity and accountability."

The superintendent responded during closing remarks that personnel and student matters can require confidentiality; he said the district "would never want for a principal to be pulled from a school in the middle of the year" and added the district provided on‑site cabinet support and the director of special education to assist Murdoch. He also said there are times when the district cannot share specifics for legal or privacy reasons but repeated the district’s commitment to assist staff and families while the process continues.

Board members and staff repeatedly acknowledged the emotional impact on families and staff and said they value community input; several trustees thanked speakers for coming forward. Trustees and district staff did not provide a public, documented rationale for the Murdoch personnel action during the meeting and stressed confidentiality limits on personnel matters.

The board did not take any formal personnel action in open session related to the comments; it referred follow‑up requests to appropriate staff. Parents and staff said they expect further communication and called for clarity on protocols for family notification, oversight of safety plans and the timeline for additional updates.