Parents air concerns to district

Marisa O’Neil

Nearly 100 angry parents vented their concerns to district officials

on Thursday morning about Newport Heights Elementary School Principal

Judith Chambers.

The heated meeting came on the heels of Tuesday night’s school

board meeting, where parents complained about a “divisive” atmosphere

at the school and a lack of leadership. In response, district

officials scheduled the Thursday meeting, where parents shared their

displeasure.

“I’m definitely sorry we got to this point,” Assistant Supt. for

Elementary Education Susan Despenas said at the meeting. “No one

wants to pick up the Daily Pilot and be on the front page.”

Problems at the school came to light when first-grade teacher

Shannon Jay, who had been filling in for a teacher on maternity

leave, left the school on Friday, Jan. 23. Parents feared she had

been fired though the class’s original teacher had said she would not

return.

After numerous complaints and a rallying of support for Jay,

Despenas said Tuesday afternoon that Jay would be hired to finish the

semester and would likely receive a contract at the end of it.

Once word came that Jay would be back at the school, disgruntled

parents then focused their attention on Chambers. Despenas said she

regretted that the problem had grown to such a point.

“Parents have this feeling that unless they make big noise they’re

not going to be responded to,” parent Wendy Thompson said.

During the meeting, parents complained that Chambers did not

return their calls and was often not available on campus to discuss

their concerns.

Chambers could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Despenas and Assistant Supt. of Human Resources Lori McCune

distributed forms Thursday for parents to fill out with their

individual issues, including what’s working and what isn’t at the

school. The two said the district would work with the parents to

resolve the issue at the school, but have to follow the proper

procedures for evaluation and complaints.

District officials will meet with teachers on Tuesday. Another

meeting for parents is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at the school,

300 E. 15th St., Newport Beach.

* MARISA O’NEIL covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at marisa.oneil@latimes.com.