Beloved Portola principal Dr. Sheila Krotz demoted

“Many points of consideration and concern were factored into this decision, a decision that was not made lightly,” said board President Raymond Giusti during the board’s Jan. 31 special meeting. “While we cannot and will not offer more details, let me be clear that the Board of Education is fully aware of the situation and completely confident that we have arrived at this decision that is in the best interest of the school.”

Superintendent Matt Duffy informed Portola parents that Krotz would not return to the school in a notice last week. In the announcement he said he could not elaborate on the matter but assured the parents the search for a replacement would be community driven.

In the meantime, he said Michael Rothhammer, Michelle Graham and other district leaders would provide leadership support to the school.

“I will not discuss what are ultimately confidential personnel matters, but I do want to assure each and every member of the Portola community that the safety and well-being of your children is our highest priority and we are honored that you have entrusted them to our care,” Duffy said in the announcement. “As an educator and a parent, I can absolutely assure you that I would never do anything to compromise any student's health or put their safety at risk.”

Duffy’s announcement and the board’s vote came after months of contention between the administrators. Krotz, who did not respond to a request for comment, had been on administrative leave since mid-December. A day before being escorted off campus, Krotz gave an impassioned speech during which she asserted her employment was being threatened after she reprimanded a physical educator for not taking action during an incident involving a male student who allegedly touched the chest of a female student during a game of tag.

Krotz, who was lauded by the mother of the girl who was touched, had shared concerns that the educator was still employed with the district. District officials have said they cannot comment on the specific incident other than to say the issue was fully investigated and the necessary actions were taken.

Krotz also criticized Duffy, who issued her a reprimand letter threatening termination, and accused the district of violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act by contacting her doctor.

“Thirty-eight years in the service of children, I never thought it would come to this,” Krotz said in her speech which she also recorded in full and published online.

Portola parents have stood by Krotz’s side from the start, advocating for her during public meetings, rallying outside of the district office and starting petitions calling for her return. Many argued she was irreplaceable and asserted their children were struggling without her on campus.

“Dr. Krotz is very important to me and my family,” said Jessica Carrillo, an active parent in the community with two children enrolled at Portola, during the meeting Jan. 31. “I have another three years, I had an amazing four years there, until this happened, due to her leadership.”

Greg Lok, a parent of a kindergartner at the school, commented on the matter through email and accused Duffy of “playing politics,” asserting the superintendent is “the definition of a bad guy and coward.”

Of specific concern to Lok was that Duffy’s notice to parents was sent out before the board formally discussed the matter. The discussion was initially scheduled for the board’s meeting Jan. 17, but was rolled over to this week’s special meeting. Giusti defended Duffy Wednesday by noting “he is not acting on a whim or without cause.”

Other trustees also openly addressed the issue for the first time, acknowledging parents’ frustration with what Trustee Amanda Blanchette said felt like a “one-sided conversation.” They asserted the decision to demote Krotz was what they believed was best for the community and committed themselves to helping build stability for the school.

“We did listen to all the sides and we took in all the information and had multiple conversations,” Blanchette said. “I want you to know your voices have been heard and we are listening.”

sierra@smdailyjournal.com

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