The Santee School District has officially responded to growing concerns from parents regarding the reassignment of Mr. Robbins, a long-time and well-loved teacher at Rio Seco School. At the recent board meeting, the district stated that the decision was part of a “mutually agreed resolution” — a legal phrase that has done little to quiet the frustration among families who insist the move was not mutual and not in the best interest of students.
For many in the community, this statement only reinforced concerns about transparency, accountability, and leadership priorities within the district.
Parents, students, and supporters who attended the board meeting expressed heartbreak and disbelief that a teacher so deeply admired for his impact on students — academically and emotionally — would be removed under vague and unexplained terms. Several parents said they were warned or intimidated for speaking out, particularly families whose students attend Rio Seco through school-of-choice transfers.
The emotional testimony at the board meeting, paired with weeks of unanswered emails, escalating tension, and alleged retaliation, has now triggered a larger community response. Parents have launched a Change.org petition calling for leadership changes at Rio Seco, including administrative review and potential reassignment of campus leaders accused of fostering a toxic or ineffective environment.
The petition — which gained traction rapidly after the board’s statement — reads in part:
“We, the undersigned, believe that the current leadership at Rio Seco is not in alignment with the values of transparency, integrity, and educational excellence that our students deserve.”
The full petition can be read and signed here:
👉 Petition to the Santee School District: Request for Leadership Change at Rio Seco School
With community voices growing louder and broader coverage now possible, families hope the petition marks a turning point toward real accountability.
For those following this story, as of the writing of this article, there are over 332 signatures, in less than 2 days. It seems this is far from over. East of 52 will keep eyes on this situation, and any developments.
