Public Speaker and Union Raise Special‑Education and Process Concerns at Anaheim Elementary Board Meeting

During public comment at the Dec. 10 Anaheim Elementary School District board meeting, a community member and union representatives raised concerns about special education and the board’s handling of personnel issues.

A public speaker identified as Mr. Lopez told trustees he was responding to remarks Trustee Julie Yip made at an Oct. 8 meeting and said the district and staff rely on state and federal law and funding to support students with disabilities. In his remarks Mr. Lopez said, referencing Trustee Yip’s earlier comment, that making unilateral changes is difficult and warned that "AESD is illegally delaying special education assessments," a statement he said could expose the district to liability. He also encouraged trustees to hold town halls and to remain accessible to staff and families.

Separately, Maribel Fernandez, speaking on behalf of CSEA, praised Superintendent Jesse Chavarria’s responsiveness and accessibility but told the board classified employees were worried about perceived bias from certain trustees and about the timeliness and fairness of contract renewal decisions. "We respectfully ask the board to act in good faith, set aside personal differences, and uphold the principles of fairness, unity, and integrity," Fernandez said, and urged a two‑year extension for the superintendent so classified employees would see continuity.

Board members responded in later personnel discussion by describing the evaluation process as thorough and objective and by explaining that the one‑year contract language on the agenda was a drafting artifact, not evidence of behind‑the‑scenes politics. Trustees thanked the public speakers and noted staff would be consulted where legal advice was needed.