Over 60 members of the Palo Alto Management Association released a letter this morning to the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education calling for the “immediate resignation” of board trustee Rowena Chiu.
According to a memorandum of understanding published by the district, PAMA includes all certified district employees (except those who have individual contracts), all psychologists, and all classified management employees.
This letter follows another release earlier today from former board trustees.
PAMA’s statement was submitted to The Paly Voice by a source who asked not to be identified.
This is a developing story and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
Read the full letter here:
Dear PAUSD School Board of Education,
We write today with deep outrage over recent events that have not only undermined the professionalism and integrity of PAUSD leadership but have also emboldened racism within our school district. Racism, in any form, is unacceptable. It has no place in our schools, our leadership, or our community.
Following the January 23, 2025, PAUSD Board Meeting, newly elected Board Member Rowena Chiu engaged in conduct that engendered racist comments on social media and was fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities of public service. By posting and commenting on an incendiary social media post filled with racially charged rhetoric and personal attacks against a PAUSD initiative and staff, Ms. Chiu has violated the ethical obligations of her position and betrayed the trust of the community she was elected to serve. Her actions reflect a divisive, harmful, and regressive mindset that threatens the very foundation of inclusivity and educational equity that PAUSD upholds.
These actions undermine constructive dialogue and do not align with PAUSD’s values of inclusion and professionalism. All school board members must hold the education of students above any partisan principle, group interest, or personal interest as mandated in Board Bylaw 9200. We also reaffirm in Board Bylaw 9260 that no board member shall act with recklessness or flagrant indifference to a harmed person’s right to safety.
The PAUSD Board is entrusted with creating a climate of integrity, collaboration, and inclusion-one that fosters productive dialogue and ensures that every student, educator, and staff member feels safe, valued, and respected. Instead, Ms. Chiu’s conduct has contributed to a hostile and antagonistic environment, directly undermining the work of educators who dedicate themselves to fostering inclusive, academically enriching experiences for all students. Such behavior erodes public trust, compromises the district’s credibility, and sends a dangerous message that racism and bigotry will be tolerated in leadership.
This is not about political differences—it is about moral clarity and ethical leadership. There is no room for individuals in positions of power who vilify the work of educators, dismiss efforts toward racial equity, and perpetuate racist narratives that threaten students and staff alike. Racism cannot be debated, excused, or downplayed—it must be called out and confronted with unequivocal condemnation.
Given the gravity of Ms. Chiu’s actions and the harm they caused, we demand her immediate resignation from the PAUSD Board of Education. Her continued presence on the board not only undermines the district’s ability to lead effectively but also sets a dangerous precedent that racism and divisive rhetoric will go unchallenged.
Furthermore, we call upon the PAUSD Board to establish clear norms that uphold ethical governance and require accountability from all board members. It is imperative that public officials are held to the highest standards—ensuring that every decision, policy, and public statement reflects the district’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and respect for all students and staff.
Moving forward, all Board members must publicly reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment that prioritizes the well-being of students and supports the educators who bring that mission to life. The school board plays a critical role in shaping the future of PAUSD—including fostering innovation and supporting curriculum development that reflects the diverse experiences of our students. We are proud of our educators who worked diligently to develop and unanimously support two new courses presented last week—a rare moment of unity that deserves encouragement, not racist attacks and obstruction.
PAUSD deserves leadership that upholds the values of equity, integrity, and respect. Rowena Chiu has demonstrated that she is not fit to serve in this capacity.
It is time to act. Racism cannot be tolerated in any form. We demand accountability, we demand action, and we demand leadership that reflects the values of our district.
Over 60 members of PAMA collectively support the content of this letter and the call for Ms. Chiu’s resignation. This is not an act of individual concern—it is a shared demand for leadership that reflects the values of our district and community.
Palo Alto Management Association.
Additionally Endorsed by:
Brent Kline, PAMA President, Principal, Palo Alto High School
Courtney Carlomagno, PAMA Vice President, Principal, Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Iris Wong, PAMA Treasurer, Principal, Walter Hays Elementary School
Amy Sheward, PAMA Secretary, Principal, Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School
Nikole Manou, Principal, Hoover Elementary School
Jeff Downing, Principal, Addison Elementary School
Trebor Winslow, Principal, Fairmeadow Elementary School
Judy Argumedo, Principal, Barron Park Elementary School
Leonel Argumedo, Principal, El Carmelo Elementary School
Brittany Gardner, Principal, Duveneck Elementary School
Leslie Crane, Principal, Escondido Elementary School
Kathryn Bimpson, Principal, Juana Briones Elementary School
Elsa Chen, Principal, Ohlone Elementary School
Annora Lee, Principal, Palo Verde Elementary School
Brooke Tassa, Assistant Principal, Escondido Elementary School
Emily Garrison, Principal, Palo Alto Middle College High School
Melissa Howell, Principal, Ellen Fletcher Middle School
Chris Grierson, Principal, Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School
Wendy Stratton, EdD, Principal, Gunn High School
Kat Catalano, Assistant Principal, Gunn High School
Erik Olah, Assistant Principal, Gunn High School
Harvey Newland, Assistant Principal, Gunn High School
LaDonna Butler, Assistant Principal, Palo Alto High School
Jose Sanchez, Assistant Principal, Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Mimi Kwon, Assistant Principal, Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Kim Lohse, Assistant Principal, Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School
Sarah Pierce, Assistant Principal, Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School
Hanisi Accetta, Assistant Principal, Fletcher Middle School
Kevin Rouse, Assistant Principal, Fletcher Middle School
Jerry Berkson, Assistant Principal, Palo Alto High School
Rebecca Shen Lorenson, Assistant Principal, Palo Alto High School
Mycal Hixon, Assistant Principal, Gunn High School
Michelle Steingart, Assistant Principal, Palo Alto High School
Jim Sherman, Principal, Palo Alto Adult School
Marcela Simões de Carvalho, Principal on Special Assignment
Herb Espiritu, Director of Human Resources (Certificated)
Anne Le, Director of Human Resources (Classified)
Kelly Bikle, Director of Professional Learning and Leadership
Eric Holm, Director of Facilities and Construction
Amanda Boyce, Director of Student Services
Dawn Yoshinaga, Director of Mental Health & Wellness
Teri Lee, Director of Special Education
Amy Love, Manager, Enrollment Services
Amanda Bark, Manager of Policy and Compliance
Robert Andrade, Civil Rights & Legal Affairs Coordinator
Rita Rodriguez, Special Education Program Coordinator
Rosemarie Dowell, Health Services Coordinator
Kelly Martin, Director of Visual and Performing Arts
Lisa Romero, Staff Mental Health Specialist, Supervisor
Scott Yarbrough, School Psychologist
Melissa Clark, School Psychologist, Gunn High School
Marci Hakeman, School Psychologist, El Carmelo Elementary School
Megan Warter, School Psychologist, Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School
Michael Galaviz, School Psychologist, Gunn High School
Rammaine Landells, School Psychologist, Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Kerith Bates, School Psychologist, Greendell School & Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School
Sheri Heise, School Psychologist, Escondido Elementary School
Todd Daly, School Psychologist, Ellen Fletcher Middle School
Lara Duenas, School Psychologist, Barron Park Elementary School & Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School
Evan Watanabe, School Psychologist, Palo Alto Middle College High School
Jaime Fanciullo, School Psychologist, Palo Alto High School
Jason Krienke, School Psychologist, Alternative Programs
Samira Rastegar, School Psychologist, Private Schools
Erika Gardiner, School Psychologist, Duveneck and Walter Hays Elementary Schools
Janice Choi, School Psychologist, Hoover Elementary School
