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
Xia Jin • Feb 2, 2025 at 12:00 am
I completely reject the characterization of Ms Chiu’s comments in the letter from the Palo Alto Management Association. I find the letter’s attack on Ms Chiu despicable. Ms Chiu is entitled to speak out against a PAUSD initiative, she did not attack PAUSD staff. On the contrary, I heard Danae Reynolds have extended lecturing Ms Chiu that she is not entitled to use the word “unsafe” in that situation, and implies only Ms Reynolds is entitled to used that word because she belongs to the “oppressed” group. This is totally inappropriate and a form of bigotry. It already showed the harmful consequence of adopting an oppressor/oppressed mentality. I am surprised to hear PAUSD is so out of touch with the rest of the country where people are realizing the wokeness is killing and destroying our country. Ms Chiu wants to get more info about the ethnic study course and got such vehement opposition. I couldn’t help wondering how left has PAUSD and Palo Alto Management has become. This is an extremely unhealthy and disturbing situation to me.
Palo • Feb 1, 2025 at 9:27 am
I am very surprised leaders have taken such an extreme position when you read Mrs Chiu comments they seem to share her personal experience in the context of how she felt being silenced in a meeting. Our school leadership seems unable to foster dialogue and are actively demonstrating the concerns about a cancel culture and group think. As a parent I am utterly disappointed by the school system
Estee • Feb 1, 2025 at 9:12 am
The exchange between Mrs. Rowena Chiu and Mrs. Reynolds a school employee, on a social media ,is not the main issue.
The main issue is the way the special school board meeting on January 23rd-2025 about Ethnic Studies, conducted itself.Not about safety felt by a teacher or a school board member. It was an un safe way to conduct a meeting, Mrs. Rowena Chiu expressed her concern, but the school administrators did not like it and they are trying to dismiss her concerns.
Tonight instead of searching on Netflix to watch a horror movie, watch the video of PAUSD board meeting on the night of 23rd.
The main player of the this horror meeting was Shana Segal, the board president, assisted by Shounak Dharap, a returning board member, Dr. Don Austin , the superintendent , cheered by a crowd of teachers and students.
I who sat at home and watched the meeting, felt intimidated, scared and unsafe, like Mrs. Rowena Chiu. For instance, if one dared to express any idea that contrasted the teachers’ or the students’, a crowd of students would reply with head shake and the teachers would use body language to express their disapproval. Cancel Culture at its best.
We feel unsafe when there is a coup, that what happened during this meeting. Before the doors were open to the public, the room had already been filled by students and teachers who came to advocate for ES. It is possible to hear on the video, a member of the public complaining that only supporters of ES are let in.
Shana Segal and Shounak Dharap manipulated the agenda and thus the vote, in such a way that the board had to stop few times and ask what is it that they were actually voting for.
Mrs. Rowena Chiu was the only person who dared to ask informative questions. Based on her questions, we learned that the curriculum on the PAUSD web site was not actually the one used to teach. That was good to know but what exactly was taught remained undisclosed. Why? We also learned that the supposedly randomly selected students in the pilot course were not randomly selected at all. They were hand picked by the teachers to participate in the pilot program. It was not a selection by lottery or random selection! We all know how we can choose so it will turn out according to our liking (right??)
It was not just Mrs. Rowena who felt unsafe. I for one truly believe that also Mr. Josh Salcman felt bullied and unsafe. He was placed in unattainable position. He was pressed, for example, to find a substitute schedule for student to graduate, if they would not take ES. a tall order for a board member who just was elected.
It was a night of a horror, this is not the role model I expect from teachers to provide their students. This is not just about Ethnic Studies, it was about bullying to get what it is convenient to get. The teachers were stating that since they spent so much time on creating the Pilot Program they should get it. So why do we have an elected board? this is a mockery of the democratic process.
Mrs. Chue is a person of integrity and principle, the only person on the board who can truly work for the mental safety of our children. As such , she was bullied and hence felt unsafe.Teachers and the Trustee do not like to hear the truth.
I do hope that we will have more leaders like Mrs Rowena Chue! Rowena can not be manipulated as to satisfy the Trustee or PAMA.
Please readers , I hope you know now why Rowena felt unsafe, please take care of her safety and the safety and mental safety of our children. Don’t let to be manipulated otherwise.