Parents and teachers urge Merced district to reverse transfer of Chenowith head custodian

Dozens of parents, teachers and former students pressed the Merced City School District board on Dec. 17 to reverse a personnel decision moving Chenowith Elementary head custodian Haime Guzman to another campus.

"You're taking that away from Chenowith," said Brooke Fuller, a kindergarten teacher, who told the board Guzman had worked at the site for more than nine years, coached after-school teams and built close bonds with students. Fuller said petitions exceed 200 signatures and that students had written more than 500 letters asking the district to keep him.

Several other commenters reinforced that appeal. Parent Brienne Collister said Guzman is "more than just an employee" and that removing him would be "devastating" for young students who rely on consistent, trusted adults. A caller, Kashana Ashford, added broader concerns about racial bullying in the district and urged immediate action: "leave Mr Haime alone," she said.

Superintendent Stockon acknowledged the depth of emotion and described the staffing move as affecting eight team members districtwide. He said he had spoken directly with Guzman and that Guzman "will miss Chenowith" but is "looking forward to continuing working with kids at his new site." Stockon said the district would work with the school to manage the transition and meet with the team to hear concerns.

Board members did not take a formal vote to reverse the transfer during the meeting. Trustees and staff said they would continue conversations with parents and school staff as part of the transition process.

The public comment period at the meeting included multiple speakers who emphasized students' need for continuity and urged the board to reconsider the timing of staffing changes during the school year. Superintendent Stockon said he would convey parents' concerns to district leadership and continue meetings with staff.