Outgoing curriculum director says board pushed reassignment, urges transparency

Dr. Aaron Fender, who identified himself at the meeting as the outgoing director of curriculum and instruction, used public comment to publicly describe events that prompted his resignation and to call for greater board transparency. "The decision to push me out without dialogue, without evidence, and without basic human decency has taken a toll on my well-being and on my family," he said.

Fender told the board that in October 2024 five current and former board members directed the superintendent to reassign him within one week and deny him a 9.5% raise that other employees received, prompting his resignation in November. He said he received no meeting, explanation or supporting data and urged the board to "reflect on how this was handled" and to rectify the salary schedule so an incoming director does not inherit the penalty.

Board members did not engage in back-and-forth during that public comment; the chair noted the board could not reply in that forum. Several trustees and staff earlier in the meeting had participated in a public recognition for the director’s decade of service, with speakers praising work on ELD, graduation requirements and technology adoption.

The board did not take immediate action in open session to address Fender’s request during the meeting; the superintendent and trustees acknowledged the remarks but maintained procedural limits on public-reply during the session.