Parents and staff urge board to keep Point Vicente principal

Dozens of Point Vicente families and staff turned out at the May 28 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified board meeting to ask the board to retain Principal Marta Jebana at Point Vicente Elementary.

Multiple speakers described changes they attribute to Jebana’s leadership: improved campus culture, restored PTA events, enhanced communications, visibility on campus and personal support for families during crises. "She knows every child by name," parent Nancy Antonio told the board. "Point Vicente is a special place in large part because of Principal Jebana."

Julie Foley and Angela Navarez both said Jebana’s arrival brought consistent fundraising, stronger staff cohesion and an inclusive environment. Several commenters recounted personal experiences in which Jebana intervened with compassion at difficult moments for students and families.

Parents and community members asked the board to consider the consequences of reassigning a principal who has built sustained relationships and, they warned, could risk a loss of momentum if moved. "Effective leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions," Angela Navarez said, but added that such decisions should be judged by their impact on students.

The board heard the testimony during the public comment period. District staff did not present a personnel action during open session at the meeting; the board also acknowledged it must follow confidentiality and personnel procedures when handling reassignment or staffing matters.

Board members listened and thanked speakers; no board vote or public personnel action occurred at the meeting.