Parents, students, and community members will gather this evening outside the Santee School District office for a peaceful rally ahead of tonight’s scheduled board meeting. The rally is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM at 9619 Cuyamaca Street, with the board meeting to follow at 6:00 PM.
Organized by Rio Seco parents, the rally comes in response to the recent reassignment of teacher Marc Robbins, which many families believe is retaliatory in nature. Robbins reportedly raised internal concerns about a colleague who, despite repeated absences and incomplete responsibilities, has been shielded from accountability — possibly due to a personal relationship with a site administrator.
One parent told East of 52, “This isn’t just about one teacher. It’s about a system that punishes people for doing the right thing and protects those who don’t. And now our kids are paying the price.”
Others say they feel ignored by leadership, receiving no response or vague, scripted statements in place of honest answers.
A recent 8th-grade student also submitted a written account of her experience in the ASB elective class this year, calling it “a waste” where students “rarely did anything” and “actual learning was never a top priority.”
Tonight’s rally is expected to include signs, public comments, and a unified message: Parents and students want answers — and they want respect.
East of 52 will continue covering the story and the outcome of tonight’s board meeting.
