Parents and community advocates are calling for new leadership in San Jose’s largest public school district following a county report that highlights numerous issues — which the district disputes.
Community members spoke Thursday at a San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) board of trustees meeting, citing a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report that said the district is adrift and plagued with leadership and safety issues. The June 10 report echoes a district survey done last year, and notes high turnover of administrators, lack of mental health services and gaps in campus safety plans. Jurors also said they heard numerous examples of district leaders lacking sensitivity for the concerns of parents, teachers and other employees.
Crystal Calhoun, a member of the San Jose Unified Equity Coalition, said SJUSD creates a hostile environment for its employees.
“There’s a lot of distrust,” she told San José Spotlight. “That’s why we have a high turnover rate of teachers and principals. With so many people asking… (Superintendent Nancy Albarrán) should step down.”