Parents and students urge San Marcos Unified to reverse transfer of longtime health aide Laurie Brown

Parents, students and the health aide at the center of the dispute asked the San Marcos Unified School District board on June 25 to reverse an involuntary transfer they say risks continuity of care for medically fragile students.

"She helps me manage my diabetes, and I'm sad that she's not going to be with me through 5th grade," said Valeria Sanchez, who identified herself as a type 1 diabetic and a Twin Oaks student, during public comment.

Several parents said Laurie (Miss Laurie or Miss Lori in public remarks) has provided hands-on support for years. Erendira Sanchez, Valeria’s parent, told the board her daughter had "over 415 documented diabetes checks this year alone," and said the current health aide "has been present every single 1 of them" and that moving that person "feels unsafe." Another parent, Natalie Morris, said Laurie had "419 documented visits with my daughter this year, 499 last year," and that the relationships and practical experience Laurie has developed cannot be replaced by credentials alone.

Laurie Brown, who identified herself as having worked for San Marcos Unified for more than 23 years as a health aide and campus supervisor, asked the board to reconsider the decision to transfer her from Twin Oaks Elementary to San Alejo (San Mateo) Middle School and said the personal bonds and institutional knowledge matter for student safety.

"With less than 5 years remaining until my retirement, I would respectfully ask that you consider my transfer decision... it means more than I can adequately express," Brown told the board.

Board President Carlson acknowledged the speakers and asked Superintendent Dr. Campbell to follow up after a parent raised concerns about a substantiated Title IX determination at Twin Oaks and difficulty obtaining details. The president said, "Doctor Campbell will follow-up with you." No board action to reverse the transfer was taken during the meeting; public comment exceeded time limits in at least one case and the board proceeded to the action agenda.

Parents also raised concerns about the district’s responsiveness to written inquiries and asked the board to treat follow-ups as more than a procedural checkbox. Several students also spoke, describing personal experiences where Laurie assisted them with injuries or medical needs and urging the board to keep her at Twin Oaks.

The board did not vote on personnel reassignment at the meeting; multiple parents said they had been offered meetings that never happened and asked the board to engage directly with families before finalizing personnel moves.