Since being appointed as Principal of Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) in 2020, the current Principal of PHHS has an established pattern that is damaging to students and to the overall health and well-being of the school environment.  Principal Michelle Irwin removed honors and advanced courses from PHHS’ curriculum without the proper approval of PHHS’s School Governance Team (SGT).  This was in direct violation of the SGT’s bylaws. 

There has been a pattern of violations of bylaws, poor communication, lack of transparency, and unilateral decision-making without a collaborative and governed approach.

Changes are still being made to the 22-23 school curriculum with only a few weeks left in the school year.  The lack of information contributes to a pattern of mistrust and apparent unilateral decision making on the part of Principal Irwin.  

PHHS parents and students do not have trust in Principal Irwin and do not believe she is qualified to lead the largest high school in San Diego.  Therefore, based upon documented concerns about the PPHS Principal, we are asking that Principal Irwin be removed from her position immediately. 

New leadership is needed for the students, parents, and stakeholders in the Patrick Henry community to move forward.  

We address this petition to the Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), Dr. Lamont A. Jackson, and the SDUSD Board of Education, Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne (Board President), Sabrina Bazzo (Board Vice President), Kevin Beiser (District B), Richard Barrera (District D), Dr. Michael McQuary (District C), and Zachary Patterson (Student Board Member).