Pioneer Valley High School’s principal, Shanda Herrera, is currently placed on paid administrative leave as of Friday, September 13, pending an investigation by an independent investigator into allegations of her unprofessional conduct.
According to the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s Public Information Officer, Kenny Klein, all allegations will be “promptly investigated by a third-party investigator.”
He emphasized that such matters involving personnel are confidential and further details can’t be disclosed and reiterated that the decision to place Herrera on administrative leave is not indicative of the validity of the allegations against her.
Dr. Paul Robinson, the district’s Director of Career Technical Education, has taken over the position of acting principal.
Herrera has faced criticism after a 45-day notice issued earlier this year for unprofessional behavior was revealed. With 13 years in her role, she warned for her conduct that seemed dismissive of certain student groups and contained disparaging remarks about administrators.
A school board meeting discussing this matter led to Herrera initiating legal action against local news outlets to protect personnel records, but the court mandated the release of documents with redactions.
Public records exposed emails and texts from Herrera directing district staff to deny enrollment to English Learners and students with Individualized Education Programs, aiming to protect the school’s high graduation rates. Additionally, Herrera’s texts included an offensive term for a special education staff member and derogatory comments about other administrators.
While no recommendations for Herrera’s dismissal were made at the time, and despite an online petition backing her, Superintendent Antonio Garcia stated that failure to amend such behavior could result in “serious consequences.”
With Herrera on leave and the investigation ongoing, the school district has made no determinations regarding the principal’s future until the independent investigator’s findings are presented.
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To intentionally create barriers for english language learners and students with learning differences , make fun of staff and students, many with IEP Individual Education Plan, is against each students right to a free and appropriate education. Herrera hurts the very students who have anemic test scores that have been stagnant for years. Herrera does not belong in a leadership role because she is not focused on the unmet needs of students but on whatever superficial thing she thinks makes her look good. If leadership truly cared and believed in the latent potential of all students our achievement gap would be greatly reduced. Students with learning differences and english language learners are behind because the system has let them down by offering too little interventions too late. And in some cases like this one students best interests are completely disregarded. Pathetic and heartbreaking. All students are capable, let’s believe and support all students.
Clearly, Ms, Herrera is UN-WOKE.
You’re ok with a public school denying enrollment to English Learners and students with disabilities to protect the school’s high graduation rates and reputation of the principal?
Great, now get this investigation done thoroughly and QUICKLY! Terrible for an administrator to get PAID with public money for months if not years for doing nothing while investigation drags on…