750 Signatures Demand Marshall Elementary Teachers’ Return

More than 750 people have signed an online petition asking the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) to reinstate two teachers at Marshall Elementary following their unexpected reassignment to other schools. 

Aimee Penn (5th Grade) and Henna Bianchini (Kindergarten) received letters in late March instructing them that they would be moving to other school sites within CVUSD. Ms. Penn, who has been with Marshall for 25 years, will soon teach at Stanton Elementary. It is unclear where Ms. Bianchini, a Marshall teacher for seven years, will teach next. Neither teacher was immediately available for comment. 

While an official reason for the reassignment has not been disclosed, Castro Valley News reported that the “involuntary transfer is due to [the teachers] not being a good fit with Marshall staff, including but limited to teachers, related to collaboration and school culture.”

The petition, launched by local parent Andrew Farinha-Peterson, argues the decision feels retaliatory and threatens the stability students rely on. Petition signers are voicing deep concern about the impact on school community trust and student well-being.  

“This plea stems from a personal situation that has affected not just my family, but our entire community,” Farinha-Peterson wrote in the petition. “Aimee and Henna have been the pillars of our community, demonstrating compassion, integrity, and dedication to countless students, including my own children. Their involuntary transfer is unsettling; it feels more like punishment for speaking out rather than a decision made with our children's best interest in mind.” 

CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi told the Forum they would not comment on personnel matters per the district's policy.

The CVUSD Board of Education members are expected to meet tonight (April 23). While the Board is expected to review several other certificated personnel positions for the upcoming summer school sessions, the placement of Penn and Bianchini in other school sites is not on the official agenda.

Parents of Marshall Elementary students and supporters are expected to speak during the public comments section of the meeting in support of returning both teachers to the school.