‘There’s a lot of distrust’: Calls for leadership change grow at SJ’s largest school district

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY advocates are calling for new leadership in San Jose’s largest public school district following a county report that highlights numerous issues — which the district disputes.

Community members spoke at the June 27 San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) board of trustees meeting, citing a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report that said the district is adrift and plagued with leadership and safety issues. The June 10 report echoes a district survey done last year, and notes high turnover of administrators, lack of mental health services and gaps in campus safety plans. Jurors also said they heard numerous examples of district leaders lacking sensitivity for the concerns of parents, teachers and other employees.