Hello Petition Supporters,

My name is Alexandra, and I'm on the Civic Engagement team at Change.org. Our team works to connect petition starters and supporters with the public officials who have the power to act on the issues you care about. 

I spoke with Nicole Gribstad, San José Unified School Board Trustee for Area 5, regarding concerns raised about Williams Elementary. She emphasized that any public statements she makes represent her views as an individual trustee, not the position of the Board as a whole, since only the Board President can speak on behalf of the full Board. She also reminded voters that community members play an important role in shaping the direction of the district in upcoming elections for School Board members. 

On the subject of school closures, Trustee Gribstad noted that she has requested access to materials presented to committees so she can make fully informed decisions. She also indicated that she has requested additional information from the district, including details about teacher professional development and whistleblower policies for closed sessions, but has not yet received that information.

Trustee Gribstad shared concerns about patterns in district decision-making, including situations where parents were not given sufficient notice or stakeholder input regarding program changes, such as Special Day Class closures or student relocations. She stated that students—particularly those with special needs—require stability and that families deserve clear communication and engagement in decision-making processes. 

Trustee Gribstad stated that her priorities are transparency, academic excellence, and ensuring students remain the focus while parents are fully supported. She encouraged community members to stay informed about district governance and broader education influences, including how large districts are funded. She encouraged community members to reach out to her directly at ngribstad@sjusd.org and committed to replying to all emails she receives, and invites interested folks to reach out to join her WhatsApp Town Hall group.