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Parents and staff split publicly over Paul Robeson–Malcolm X principal amid board meeting comments
Summary
Public commenters at the DPSCD board meeting presented sharply divided views about Principal Jeffrey Robinson: some accused him of misconduct and asked for accountability, while multiple staff, alumni and parents defended his leadership and urged the board to retain him.
A cluster of public commenters used two minutes each during the board’s public-comment period to press competing views about the leadership of Paul Robeson–Malcolm X Academy.
At the podium, Crystal Oliver criticized Principal Jeffrey Robinson, saying the matter “isn’t about persecuting Dr. Robinson” but alleging a lack of discipline and moral integrity by the principal and naming two parents she said had “covered it up.”
Several speakers then rose to defend the principal. Kirk Peterson, the school’s attendance officer, highlighted improved attendance and performance under Robinson’s leadership, saying the school has achieved strong attendance and chronic-rate improvements. Teacher and staff speakers (Lisa Culpo and Haron Eckles among them) described Robinson as a longstanding community figure who supports families and staff and urged the board to retain him.
Virtual commenters also weighed in: one called for retention of Robinson and another cited his longstanding mentorship and community work. The board did not take a personnel vote in public session on the principal’s employment; multiple commenters asked for clarity about investigation steps and timelines.
Takeaway: the public record at this meeting shows a contested personnel matter with both allegations and sustained public support; speakers asked the board for transparent investigative updates and for the board to consider community context as it evaluates next steps.
Next steps: board staff said they would connect concerned parents with school- and district-level staff for follow-up and provide information about ongoing investigations where appropriate.
