Parents press board to restore Trustee Rowena Chu's liaison roles; consent calendar approved

Palo Alto — During open forum at the June 17 Palo Alto Unified School District board meeting a string of speakers urged the board to reinstate Trustee Rowena Chu's liaison and committee roles, arguing the assignments affect representation for immigrant families and special‑education advocacy. The board later approved the consent calendar by voice vote.

Multiple residents and parents asked the board to restore Chu's assignments. Emily Lee, a parent, said Chu "exhibits true servant leadership and filled a critical role as a bridge between families and the district," and asked the board to restore her assignments including special education committee liaison roles. Another speaker said reinstating Chu was about representation for immigrant families: "Trustee Chu is the only Asian board member in a district that is 40% Asian," the speaker said, calling liaison roles essential for parents who rely on language and cultural access.

Other commenters expressed concern that committee placements should be paired with explicit trust‑building and restorative actions. Christina Schmidt said the board had given "no word . . . regarding expectations and restorative actions to secure and rebuild this trust with the district," and said special education committee assignments require empathy and a plan for rebuilding working relationships.

Board members moved to approve the consent calendar later in the meeting; the motion was seconded and the consent calendar was approved by voice vote (no roll‑call tally announced on the record).

What happens next: The consent calendar items are approved and will proceed according to standard implementation timelines; members of the public who raised concerns said they expect the board and administration to follow up on trust‑building and clarify committee roles and expectations.