Parents, teachers and students urge board to restore Marshall Elementary’s core substitute position

Multiple speakers at the June 9 public comment period urged the board to reinstate a core substitute allocated earlier to Marshall Elementary and to reverse classroom combination plans affecting Sanchez and other schools. Students described the emotional and instructional value of "Mister Chris," who parents and teachers said provided classroom coverage, social‑emotional support, and crisis response.

"He helps us with math. He takes care of us during recess, and he makes sure that we are safe at school," one student said during public comment. Educators and parents said the district removed a previously committed allocation for a core substitute after the budget draft was circulated, leaving principals and families blindsided and school leaders with fewer options for classroom coverage. Marshall community members also said the district has not provided a public definition of a 'high potential' school designation used to allocate the role.

Teachers and the school’s community argued the substitute role is not a luxury but a critical staff anchor for a school with high proportions of students who are English learners, newcomers and families experiencing housing instability. The board’s staff said the allocation change was tied to contract negotiations and revisions to the district staffing model; staff also said an appeals process will reopen at the 10‑day count to allow schools to request restoration where need is demonstrated.

The board heard the appeals and asked staff to review allocations and the appeal timeline. Parents requested clear explanations and timely responses so schools can plan staffing and supports for the coming year.