Napa Valley Unified board adopts censure of trustee over alleged staff misconduct

The Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26-18, a censure of Trustee Juliana Villegas Hart, after outside counsel told the board the trustee had engaged in a pattern of unprofessional exchanges with district staff.

Connor Kennedy, counsel presenting the resolution, said the alleged incidents occurred on March 26, March 30, April 3 and April 6 and described the conduct as “a pattern of problem conduct that is severely disruptive of the workplace,” including what he characterized as vulgar and intrusive commentary toward staff. Kennedy said a censure is an open‑session remedy for conduct that harms governance norms and staff operations.

Trustees discussed the complaint briefly before voting. Trustee Reiser said the board’s duty is to uphold “honesty, integrity, transparency” and to protect the workplace, and added, “Taking this action of censure is the mechanism available to us to communicate both to the trustee and to the community that her behavior is unacceptable.” Trustee Martin and Trustee Jenkins likewise voiced support for the resolution, emphasizing accountability and adherence to the board’s governance handbook.

The board took a roll-call vote and recorded six ayes: Trustee Hsu, Trustee Gonzalez Maritz, Trustee Jenkel (transcribed), Trustee Martin, Trustee Water and Trustee Reiser. The motion passed and Resolution 26-18 was adopted.

After the vote, Board President Lisa Chu read prepared remarks reiterating the board’s commitment to district policies and to supporting staff and Superintendent Dr. Roussana Musetti. Ms. Greene, a district staff member, thanked the board for its support of affected staff.

The special meeting then adjourned.