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Outgoing trustees honored as some public commenters raise concerns about district culture and lawsuits
Summary
The board held a public recognition for outgoing trustees and received many tributes. During non‑agendized public comment, multiple speakers also criticized district leadership, alleging retaliation, legal settlements, and failures to address staff and student harms.
The Sequoia Union High School District board opened its Nov. 13 meeting with special recognitions for Board President Stevenson and outgoing Trustee Carrie Duah, who is concluding roughly 19 years of service. School leaders, principals and community organizations praised both trustees for years of service and outreach to students and families.
Principal Carl Luo said trustees "have managed to keep a cool head" through difficult debates over reopening, curriculum and other major decisions. Several community leaders — including representatives from neighboring districts and a legislative field representative — read commendations and presented remarks praising the trustees’ commitment to students and community engagement.
At the same meeting, the board also heard sharply critical non‑agendized comments. Public commenter Jeremy Aray said some students, staff and families remain "really hurt" and alleged a lack of accountability in district processes. He urged trustees to listen to people who have been harmed and to address long‑standing issues.
Another commenter, Dan Malieri, accused the district and its administration of spending "$3 million" on settlements and alleged discrimination and retaliation, stating people in the community have been harmed and promising continued legal action. "You lost $3 million in climbing of taxpayers money," he told the board; he also alleged alterations to student records, a claim not addressed or substantiated during the meeting.
Board members acknowledged both the praise and the criticism. Trustees and staff thanked the outgoing trustees for service and described efforts such as student advisory councils, committee work and conference participation. The board did not take policy action in response to the criticisms during the Nov. 13 meeting; several trustees said items raised in public comment would be referred to staff or considered for future agenda placement where appropriate.
The board’s meeting packet and public minutes are the appropriate sources for follow‑up on any formal investigations or financial accounting; public commenters requested investigations or further action but the meeting record does not show that the board initiated any specific investigations at the Nov. 13 session.
