Troubling Situation at Marshall Elementary

I’m writing to bring attention to a troubling situation at Marshall Elementary that affects not only our teachers, but the students and families they serve.

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service, Aimee Penn—a respected 5th grade teacher at Marshall—was told by Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) leadership that she is being involuntarily transferred because she “no longer fits the culture” of the school.

This follows Aimee and several other staff members raising formal concerns about inappropriate and unprofessional behavior by the school’s new principal, who also has a child at the school. Her dual role as administrator and parent has created blurred boundaries, favoritism, and ethical concerns.

It appears that rather than investigating the concerns, the district is retaliating against those who spoke up. Meanwhile, the principal remains in place, continuing to foster a divisive environment.

This is not just about staffing—it’s about ethics, leadership, and protecting a healthy school culture. Teachers should be safe to advocate for students and colleagues without fear of punishment. Silencing veteran educators undermines trust and hurts the entire community.

We call on CVUSD to:
1. Reverse Aimee’s involuntary transfer.
2. Create a culture of transparency and accountability, where educators are respected and protected.

Here’s how to help:

Attend the School Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM
CVUSD District Office – 4400 Alma Ave, Castro Valley

Email the Board:
• gary.howard@cv.k12.ca.us
• sara.raymond@cv.k12.ca.us
• dolly.adams@cv.k12.ca.us
• michael.kusiak@cv.k12.ca.us
• lavender.whitaker@cv.k12.ca.us

We stand with Aimee. We stand with our teachers. We demand better.

–Andrew Farinha-Peterson, Castro Valley