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Recall effort targets three SRVUSD board members over remote learning

Original post made on Jan 12, 2021

A group of San Ramon Valley parents has initiated the process to start collecting signatures for a recall petition to oust three members of the local school board over their decision to reverse course on in-person learning amid COVID.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 12:29 PM

Comments (35)

Posted by H
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Jan 12, 2021 at 1:51 pm

H is a registered user.

These people are elected to represent the community, not exclusively represent the union. Favoritism is one thing, playing fast and loose with state laws is another. This board is reckless and irresponsible, and willfully ignorant of the voices the community the represent that go against the will of the union. If they are abdicating their responsibilities, they should just commit to that abdication fully and vacate their elected position as well by resigning immediately.


Posted by Karyne Ghantous
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 6:07 pm

Karyne Ghantous is a registered user.

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) has made Herculean efforts to survey and accomplish the desires of parents who quite frankly cannot grasp the reality of this pandemic.

These poor administrators and Board members have spent months exhausting themselves with extraordinary patience trying to come up with a plan to get us all back in school while navigating the reality that 600,000 Americans or more are expected to die from this deadly virus by Spring. The parents screaming to take off the parachute don’t comprehend the realities of what that really means to Contra Costa County because all they feel is their own personal frustration.

Unfortunately, the Board and the parents gunning for them are not experts in global pandemics and have no choice but to abide by the dictates of science and thank God they ultimately made the only decision that keeps our community safe.

Thank you SRVUSD and please know that there are many parents who support your decision and who do not need to see the bodies splattered on the ground to know that the parachute is working!


Posted by Elizabeth
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 6:23 pm

Elizabeth is a registered user.

This is absolutely ridiculous.
ICUs are full and we are losing 4,000 people per day due to the pandemic. These parents expect the pandemic and the necessary precautions to cater to their convenience. The lack of concern about community spread is appalling and this behavior is self centered, entitled, and willfully ignorant of our current reality. This board and the superintendent are facing very tough choices and cannot possibly please everyone, but anyone who truly believes our schools should be open while hospitals stagger under the weight of overwhelming deadly covid cases is simply unwilling to face reality. I'm embarrassed for these parents.


Posted by Z
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 6:37 pm

Z is a registered user.

I am embarrassed and disgusted by this small group of parents who would rather the district spend money fighting this ridiculousness than to actually take steps to mitigate the virus...thus getting us to Red. Please stop giving them a platform for their madness. How about speaking to the thousands of parents and community members who support and agree with the decision by the Board.

Our hospitals are full, our case count is increasing on a daily basis at the rate in which our total case count was for the entire 6 months prior. People are dying, but hey, some entitled rich folks in Danville want their kids out of the house so they can see their yoga instructor.

This is absolutely ridiculous.
ICUs are full and we are losing 4,000 people per day due to the pandemic. These parents expect the pandemic and the necessary precautions to cater to their convenience. The lack of concern about community spread is appalling and this behavior is self centered, entitled, and willfully ignorant of our current reality. This board and the superintendent are facing very tough choices and cannot possibly please everyone, but anyone who truly believes our schools should be open while hospitals stagger under the weight of overwhelming deadly covid cases is simply unwilling to face reality. I'm embarrassed for these parents children, to live with such short sighted and selfish individuals who want to use them as pawns to get what they want is disturbing .


Posted by JamesR
a resident of Danville
on Jan 12, 2021 at 6:55 pm

JamesR is a registered user.

Let's file this under a waste of time and funds-- fund these entitled whiners are taking away from our kids! FUNDS that could be better directed at helping open our schools for in person learning given the framework that PROFESSIONALS produce not a bunch of parents having a temper tantrum with too much time on their hands. It's nice of these folks to jump on the bandwagon of actually watching board meetings NOW- as these are the same people that NEVER watched any before ....while WE all worked and collaborated with the district, donated and worked as volunteers. The fact is, the majority of parents in this district are happy. So stop wasting peoples time and stop taking our tax dollars from our kids!


Posted by AdminSR
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 7:04 pm

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(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by AlaMom3
a resident of Alamo
on Jan 12, 2021 at 7:13 pm

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(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by Mona
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 7:14 pm

Mona is a registered user.

Absolutely ridiculous! The SRVUSD has gone above and beyond to take into account the safety of both the teachers and students and take into account parents’ feedback. The board made the right decision to POSTPONE in person school. Please enlighten me to which public school districts around here are doing in person learning? Please don’t speak on behalf of all the parents because most of us don’t agree with these views. Thank you SRVUSD for all you have done! We support you.


Posted by MikeJT
a resident of Danville
on Jan 12, 2021 at 7:31 pm

MikeJT is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by DVMom
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 8:02 pm

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(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by DaveG
a resident of Danville
on Jan 12, 2021 at 8:12 pm

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(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by SherF
a resident of Danville
on Jan 12, 2021 at 10:39 pm

SherF is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by JayRamon
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 10:43 pm

JayRamon is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by YogaMama81
a resident of Danville
on Jan 12, 2021 at 10:53 pm

YogaMama81 is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by Mike
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 12, 2021 at 10:58 pm

Mike is a registered user.

It’s unfortunate they even have to entertain these people. My 6th grader nailed it: “Adults acting like children and throwing tantrums because they didn’t get their way.” I have not been in the office since March 2020, why would I want to send my kid to school if we are in stay at home orders?????


Posted by Charlie Jones
a resident of Alamo
on Jan 13, 2021 at 7:00 am

Charlie Jones is a registered user.

Respectfully, these are such difficult and challenging times for everyone, especially those with children and parents dealing with their educational needs. Perhaps the SRVUSD should contact the private school that Gavin Newsom's children are attending in Sacramento and seek their guidance and assistance.


Posted by GreenbrookParent
a resident of Danville
on Jan 13, 2021 at 7:51 am

GreenbrookParent is a registered user.

DaveG you are taking that statement out of context. The attorney was talking about the board's obligations to comply with the Brown Act. That had nothing to do with the recall effort. There was never any mention of lawyer fees in connection with the recall, because there will be none. No lawyers are needed for that.


Posted by Adrienne
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Jan 13, 2021 at 10:01 am

Adrienne is a registered user.

Dear Community, I believe I am one of the whiny entitled parents struggling with my kids mental and emotional health trying to get them back on campus safely. Yes safely. I am guilty of not being involved with the district, not digging into the platforms of those who ran for school board prior to this pandemic. I care now, I do not want to see depressed kids trying to recover from this so I am actively participating now. Wow, what I/you can learn from getting involved is immeasurable. If you do not get involved you have no idea the history, stories and information you can learn. I am not disrespectful, I know there are two sides to everything - anyone is welcome to join any/this facebook group "Back in School Safely." You all understand social media, you cannot control comments, sometimes passion takes over but it has been a place for collaboration and comradery. We are trying to bring awareness, agility and action to the board and district.


Posted by Common sense guy
a resident of Alamo
on Jan 13, 2021 at 10:14 am

Common sense guy is a registered user.

St. Isidore School in Danville has been open the entire year, with in-person education for the first 4-5 hours of the day and remote education for the remainder of the day. So far, it's worked very well and the community hasn't experienced any outbreaks. So, for those who say it can't be done, you're wrong. Perhaps the SRVUSD should ask St. Isidore School how they are doing it...I bet they'd be willing to share their approach. That might be more useful than just reflexing to remote education for the entire year. Parents of St. Isidore School students care just as much about their kids' health as SRVUSD parents do. Just a thought...


Posted by WildcatMom
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 2:51 pm

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(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by Mike
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 3:02 pm

Mike is a registered user.

@Common Sense guy. You can’t compare apples to oranges. St. Isidore is a private school. I think you should change your name.

There are few PUBLIC schools open in CA. Period. And the school board did not cancel in person school, they have postponed until we get back to RED. Parents need to act like adults and accept that things don’t always go their way. Be patient like the rest of us and focus your energy and something productive!!!!


Posted by Tom Stevens
a resident of Danville
on Jan 13, 2021 at 3:07 pm

Tom Stevens is a registered user.

The harm the school district is causing our kids will last a lifetime. These teachers unions and school board officials are gutless and ignoring all of the facts about the virus. It’s why many are moving out or enrolling kids in Private schools. What an embarrassment.


Posted by Anon1
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Anon1 is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by Common sense guy
a resident of Alamo
on Jan 13, 2021 at 3:40 pm

Common sense guy is a registered user.

Mike...the fact St. Isidore School is private has absolutely nothing to do with my comments. I was pointing out that you can certainly allow kids back in school, if you use the right approach, as St. Isidore has done. There is nothing stopping SRVUSD from doing the same. The fact there are few public schools open in CA might be true, but I've given you a local example of how some schools are doing it...very successfully. I don't have kids in school now, so it doesn't affect me, but I would think that facts ought to be valued a bit more than feelings, no? Just common sense to me.


Posted by H
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Jan 13, 2021 at 4:03 pm

H is a registered user.

@Common Sense Guy

These people just throw every excuse at the wall and hope something sticks. Why these people that have the option to stay remote all year demand to take the choices away from other is unbelievable. When presented with any evidence of in-person education working locally (St. Isidore, Kids Country) nationally (Texas) or internationally (Sweden) they always make up some outlandish excuse about how that's "different."

They can homeschool forever. Good for them. Why do they want to take away school from everyone else when it's proven safe time and time again?


Posted by Andy
a resident of Montair Elementary School
on Jan 13, 2021 at 9:00 pm

Andy is a registered user.

Bravo!! Please tell me where to sign the recall petition. Our current school board is a joke. Let's not forget they did this to us in August and October as we approached the other potential hybrid start dates. This board is a total puppet to the teacher's union SRVEA. John Malloy himself was pushing for in person starting on Jan 5th and then suddenly changed course right before the Jan 5th proposed date. They are not representing the districts they serve.

Ann Katzburg, President of SRVEA, does not represent the students as she claims. She is an embarrassment and is acting in a shameful manner.


Posted by Yashima Mahajan
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 9:14 pm

Yashima Mahajan is a registered user.

Where can I sign the petition?


Posted by H
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Jan 13, 2021 at 9:34 pm

H is a registered user.

County still needs to officially provide the number of signatures required for the petition. Once that number is known, signatures will be collected the next day.


Posted by Ron P.
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 10:46 pm

Ron P. is a registered user.

I applaud our hard-working teachers, administrators, board members, and school staff members. Everyone is doing their best during this dangerous global pandemic that’s killing thousands of people every day. (Portion removed)


Posted by Yashima Mahajan
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 10:56 pm

Yashima Mahajan is a registered user.

Gotta get that petition rolling!


Posted by WildcatDad
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 11:07 pm

WildcatDad is a registered user.

(Post removed. A commenter using different names to appear more people agree with the opinion)


Posted by Yashima Mahajan
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 13, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Yashima Mahajan is a registered user.


Everyone sounds like President Trump nowadays ????


Posted by Erica
a resident of San Ramon
on Jan 14, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Erica is a registered user.

This group of parents are not entitled. We are not throwing tantrums. We are demanding the rights of our children be given to them. SRVUSD is not alone in this demand, many districts across CA are speaking up. This has nothing do with regional entitlement. Every single child deserves the right to a fair and equal education and a CHOICE of where they receive it.
When the public officials want to serve special interests over its constituents, we will make noise. Civilians using their voice in order to be heard is not a tantrum. There has been EVERY attempt made to be listened to.. and they have failed to hear any one of us. Parents demand CHOICE. Choice, as so many do with so many different rights, and this is NO different. Ken, you may scold and state your disappointment... I am disappointed you have failed at your role and have brought it this far. Shame on you.
The choice is clear- listen to our voices and give us choice as was promised, or we will force being heard. There is enough demand in numbers to certify a recall, and we do demand accountability.
Not only has this board shown is inability to serve its constituents, it has broken the law, and as well, the district is on track to be completely insolvent by 2022/23. When there are no kids to teach because they have left, teachers will be laid off. When the district is insolvent, what happens to your home values? They will plummet. This board has a duty to uphold fiscal responsibility and they have failed! Take some time to understand this recall, what thousands of families are saying and bring CHOICE back to our students.


Posted by JesseT
a resident of Danville
on Jan 15, 2021 at 11:34 am

JesseT is a registered user.

My wife and I typically do not respond to these articles but there is so much division being brought about by this group of parents in the community, we thought we'd offer our lens. The California Constitution states a free public education for K through 12th graders. Public school is in fact open. It may not be how it was in the past due to accommodations needed for a pandemic, but it is open for business. You always have choices. You have the choice to continue on with a free public education, or if you dislike the government involvement in educating your child (public schools are a state/national institution), you have the choice to enroll your child in private school or select a homeschool program that meets your approval. For many years, schools in Danville have been run by parents that treat the schools as private schools because we are fortunate to live in a more affluent community. However, here is your reality check; The District is governed not by parents wants and whims, but the county and state. The answer is doing what is best with the right choice for your family, not creating a division based of your privilege and wants. Please reflect on how this approach is serving your group, our community and you individually. You are not moving our world forward by trying to initiate a recall, seat your own people in those seats (we just had an election and the candidate in district 2 which you backed did not win, as most candidates don't that run on one issue), and continue to bully your way into the limelight spouting really hurtful things about school board members, the Superintendent and fellow parents and school teachers. Very few are going to sympathize with that approach and will organize to ensure your recall does not happen based on the golden rule.


Posted by H
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Jan 17, 2021 at 8:52 am

H is a registered user.

@JesseT

The California Constitution also allows for recall elections. Funny how you can subscribe so heavily to one part of the California Constitution yet act like another part of that same document is somehow anti-democratic.

Also, what evidence to you have that "very few are going to sympathize" when you have no real involvement in the movement? What data do you have to support that comment? I have data to support the converse as the petition to recall was signed by 30 parents in a matter of seconds after it was announced. There are scores of social media posts both here and elsewhere asking directly "where can I sign the petition!" How many are in this comment section alone?

Stop trying to substitute reality with your own prejudices and imaginations. This is happening, this has support. The ostrich still has to deal with reality regardless if it's head is in the sand or not.


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