To: Santee School District Board of Education and Superintendent

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, students, staff, and concerned community members, respectfully submit this petition regarding the current leadership at Rio Seco School.

We are calling for an immediate reevaluation of the administrative leadership at Rio Seco due to serious and ongoing concerns about the working and learning environment under the current Rio Seco Principal and a Jr. High staff member 

Over the past year, a growing number of families and staff have expressed frustration with a culture of distrust, poor communication, and unprofessional conduct that has had a deeply negative impact on our school community. This environment has diminished morale, strained parent-teacher relationships, and compromised the welcoming, student-focused culture that Rio Seco once upheld.

Specifically:

1. The Rio Seco Principal and Jr. High staff member have demonstrated a conflict of interest, contributing to questionable decision-making and a lack of transparency. Their close personal and professional relationship has raised concerns regarding favoritism and the absence of accountability.

2. Together, they have created a divisive and discouraging atmosphere that has undermined trust among staff, students, and families.

3. Their continued presence has fostered an environment that many feel is unwelcoming, unsupportive, and inconsistent with the district’s standards of professionalism and equity.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request the following:

1. The removal or reassignment of both Rio Seco Principal and Jr. High staff member to other sites, allowing Rio Seco the opportunity for a fresh start with new leadership that prioritizes trust, transparency, and community.

2. The return of Mr. Marc Robbins, a former Rio Seco teacher who is widely respected for his positive impact on students and his ability to foster strong relationships with both staff and families. His presence brought stability, connection, and genuine care for students’ academic and emotional well-being.

3. A transparent and inclusive process for selecting new school leadership, with meaningful input from teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, to ensure alignment with the values and needs of the Rio Seco community.

We believe that every student deserves to learn in a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment led by trustworthy and compassionate educators. We ask the Santee School District to take swift and thoughtful action to restore Rio Seco to a place where students, families, and staff can thrive.