Parents continue fight for San Bruno Park School District principal

Similar messages were shared before and during a Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, Jan. 17, during which the board was expected to discuss an employee’s discipline, dismissal or release. Parents gathered outside of the district office to hold a silent rally in support of Krotz before the meeting and many spoke in support of keeping Krotz as an employee during public comment.

“Have you ever had someone make a significant, positive and lasting impact on your life that you will never forget? Now think back on your childhood, can you remember individuals who really cared, who made a difference? For my children and me, that person is Dr. Sheila Krotz,” Jessica Carrillo, an active parent in the community, said during public comment. “We all know parenthood is really hard and we all need guidance and leadership and she was that for us.”

The day before Krotz was placed on leave, she gave an impassioned speech during a Board of Trustees meeting, during which Krotz 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.

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, who was lauded by the mother of the girl who was touched, had shared concerns that the educator was still employed with the district.

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

Since then, more than 500 people have also signed an online petition calling for Krotz to be immediately reinstated to her position, for the district to initiate remediation between Krotz, Duffy and the Board of Trustees and for parents to be better engaged on personnel issues in the future. A second petition calling for Duffy to be placed on leave has also received more than 500 signatures.

Without Krotz on campus, parents and staff say students are suffering and they’re unsure of what to tell their children. At the very least, parents requested that an independent investigation be completed before any decision was made on Krotz’s employment.

“I would just appreciate your help illuminating when a decision will be made about the future of Dr. Krotz as Portola’s principal. I’m coming from a place of deep concern about the trauma that this incident is causing at Portola,” Jenny Debevec, district counselor serving at Portola Elementary. “I’m seeing increased signs of that trauma, including anxiety, worry, crying, a lack of focus, inability of students to access their education, not to mention the grief that the staff is feeling as well.”

The push to save Krotz isn’t over. Though no one specified whether the closed session discussion was about Krotz, trustees informed parents that they would be required by law to report on any actions taken during the discussion and Trustee Jennifer Blanco suggested parents remain tuned into the meeting for a possible answer.

Once out of closed session, board President Raymond Giusti said no action was taken and adjourned the meeting. District officials have said they cannot comment further on the confidential personnel matter.