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Community members criticize Sequoia Union’s handling of antisemitism, school closures and legal spending
Summary
Multiple in-person and online speakers at the June 17 board meeting criticized the district’s response to antisemitism complaints, called for trustee recalls, and urged the district to prioritize student supports over litigation costs.
At the Sequoia Union High School District Board meeting on June 17, several parents and community members used the public-comment period to sharply criticize district leadership for how it handled allegations of antisemitism, recent school closures and the district’s legal spending. Diana Bloom said the superintendent had told her to "File a UCP complaint" when she raised antisemitism two years ago and accused the district of responding to the documentary Killing America with "false copyright claims," saying the response harmed the filmmaker and did not restore trust. Bloom said the district’s recently revised antisemitism policy followed a legal threat and that policy changes alone have not repaired relationships.
Johanna Mahal told the board she and others are pursuing a recall of three trustees with terms through 2028 and said the entire board and superintendent should be replaced. Andromeda Garcelon urged trustees to honor promises to support families displaced by the Tide school closure, saying several Tide students were denied transfers with their teachers and peers and that families had abandoned appeals after difficult processes. Shaunie Stevenson offered praise instead, thanking staff who supported students through a primary-school closure and naming many counselors and partners who helped students transition.
Several speakers also criticized the district’s legal costs. Camala Lambar and other commenters said legal fees routinely appear on the consent agenda and expressed concern that money spent on litigation reduces funds available for students and staff. One online commenter (Edith Salvatore) asked the board to ensure superintendent compensation increases are consistent with available funds for districtwide staff raises.
The board did not act on public-comment requests during the period; comments were referred to staff per board policy. Public comment ran from SEG 094 through SEG 324 of the transcript and preceded review of the consent agenda and subsequent action items.
