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Parents and longtime volunteers press El Rancho Unified over principal reassignments and volunteer rules
Summary
At the May 20 board meeting, multiple parents and volunteers urged El Rancho Unified to halt or clarify planned middle‑school administrative reassignments and to reverse or clarify new volunteer restrictions that would bar long‑time community helpers from campus duties.
At the May 20 El Rancho Unified School District Board of Education meeting, a string of public commenters pressed the board to reconsider superintendent‑led administrative moves and questioned changes to the district’s volunteer policies.
Several speakers said the superintendent’s reassignment plan would harm school communities and special programs. "How is it that the superintendent continues to make unnecessary decisions such as these to cover his incompetence or avoidance of responsibility and accountability?" parent Diana Lemus said, adding that the change threatens relationships built with families in specialized programs at North Park.
Other longtime volunteers said they had been told they would not be allowed to continue their support next year. "If I cannot volunteer next year, does that mean I cannot help with the Santa Claus toy giveaway and the Easter egg hunt for my little friends in the special‑ed class?" said John Giri, who said he has volunteered at Rio Vista Elementary for decades.
Rose Gonzalez and Gregory Giri described multigenerational family volunteer traditions that they said the district’s apparent change would disrupt. "My sons help for the special ed. We do Santa every year and give out the special little friends presents," Gonzalez said, asking the board to preserve volunteer roles.
Supporters of school leaders targeted for reassignment also spoke. "Mr. Yanarella has earned the opportunity to continue leading and healing this school," parent Jennifer Praau told the board, urging the district to consider stability for students and staff.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and asked administration for follow‑up. During the meeting’s closing items trustees requested a staff briefing on volunteer policy and outreach to the commenters who raised concerns. Trustee LaFarga specifically asked the superintendent to follow up with speakers who expressed worries about leadership transitions.
The meeting record shows no formal board action to change the reassignment plan or to alter volunteer rules; trustees instead sought more information and a communication plan. The board also directed staff to provide the volunteer handbook and to return to the board with clarity on the district’s procedures and any policy changes.
What happens next: Trustees asked that the superintendent and staff provide an update and outreach to affected families and volunteers before the next board meeting. The board placed a request for a future agenda item on volunteer policy, and multiple trustees asked for earlier distribution of related materials so the public can review the handbook in advance.
