Same drama, different genre

Gosh, this scenario out of Montebello Unified School District sounds oddly familiar…..

By Amanda Baumfeld, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 05/19/2008 10:09:13 PM PDT

MONTEBELLO – Parents are outraged that the Laguna Nueva School principal is leaving.

Joe Hernandez will be retiring this year. He has been with the Montebello Unified School District for 19 years.

Robert Henke, district spokesman, said Hernandez submitted retirement forms and his request was approved by the board on April 3.

But some parents say the decision is politically motivated and that the principal was forced to choose between early retirement or being demoted to teacher.

“(Hernandez) not playing politics with the board,” said parent Sandra Gonz lez. “They (school board) need someone who will push the traditional calendar.”

More than 150 parents and students attended last week’s school board meeting demanding the board reverse its decision. According to parents, a petition was given to the board asking that Hernandez remain principal.

Hernandez declined to comment on his situation Monday but did say he will be retiring.