Parents, trustees clash over Mendota Jr. High walkout; board weighs liability and supervision

A Mendota parent and public commenter, identified only as N. Chicas, criticized a recent Mendota Jr. High walkout and urged stronger parental notification and accountability, saying 'the students should not have been allowed to walk out because it was not fair to the students who stayed in school.' Chicas also reported a flyer circulating on campus and warned that another walkout may be planned.

Trustees sought clarification about supervision, liability, and attendance loss. Trustee Lupe Flores asked whether the district is liable if students leave campus without being signed out; Superintendent Dr. Lopez said he would consult legal counsel. Trustee Sergio Valdez asked whether outsiders were encouraging the protest, noting he had seen students at McDonald's and other public locations during the event. Trustee Isabel Maldonado said she supported students' right to express themselves but reiterated the importance of safety.

School principals assured the board they had not observed flyers on their campuses: MJHS principal Mrs. Cervantes and Mendota High principal Travis Kirby said they were not aware of campus flyers. Trustees and staff emphasized that administrators discouraged the walkout and that staff worked to keep students safe while they moved through town. The board requested follow up, including whether parents had been informed and an estimate of Average Daily Attendance (ADA) impact. No formal action was taken; the matter was discussed and will receive follow up with legal and attendance reporting.