As parents of children attending the South Whidbey School District (S.W.S.D.), it has come to our attention that the atmosphere of negativity in many areas of our schools are due, in large part, to the negligence of our current superintendent, Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia.

We, as a community, have tried to express our concerns to both the superintendent, and the school board, asking for change. Dr. Moccia has not shown us that our voices matter. Many of her actions have led to unhappy and unfulfilling school experiences for our students, and may potentially have long-term effects on not only the academic education, but also the emotional and mental health of our children. Despite our concerns, Dr. Moccia continues to make changes that are affecting enrollment and funds.

Please sign this petition to help S.W.S.D. make the schools “for the children” again, and make sure that our students have the best chance for a fulfilling school experience, and a positive future.

This petition is asking for the current superintendent, Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia, to resign. We would like a new superintendent that we, as a community, can support.

My family has been personally affected by just a small part of Dr. Moccia’s damaging leadership, in her role as School District Superintendent. One of my children has suffered panic attacks, depression, seeks counseling, and has slowly declined in his academic performance, since a particular incident which she handled in an unprofessional and life-damaging way.

Another discouraging event occurred when, despite severe weather conditions and a power outage, the school district announced that students would be dismissed on a regular school-day schedule. Later that same day, just a of couple hours before dismissal, an email was sent out informing parents that students were being dismissed immediately! Parents were given thirty minutes to pick up our kids from school. We were told that if we did not make it in that amount of time, our children were going to be bussed home. During that thirty-minute time, all students were put on school buses, regardless of whether or not they were scheduled for parent pick-up or after school programs. The students were not allowed to get off of the buses for any reason, even when they asked to use the restroom. My child was scared and confused because he knew that he was supposed to be picked up by a parent at the end of the school day. He expressed this to a teacher and was told, “Too bad, you’re getting on the bus.” No one was waiting for my 1st grader at home. My child has never gone home alone, after school, and was scared and troubled at the time. Dr. Moccia and the school district did not think of the schedules and availability of parents, or the well-being of students, when making this rash decision.

I know there are many families in our district who have had similar encounters with Dr. Moccia that have left them feeling like their children's best interest is not cared for. Please share your stories, demand change, and be heard. For our children!