Members of Marshall community protest teachers’ transfer

A passionate group of supporters rallied on April 23 in protest of the school district’s decision to involuntarily transfer teachers Aimee Penn and Henna Bianchini from Marshall Elementary School.

Around a hundred demonstrators, made up of parents, students, community members, and colleagues, gathered on the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road before making their way down the street in a spirited march toward the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) offices, chanting loudly in support of the teachers.

The crowd, many of whom carried handmade signs and wore custom-made t-shirts with supportive messages, marched with purpose, chanting slogans that reflected their outrage and disappointment at the district’s decision. Cries of “District says Go, we say No!” and “District, do better!” echoed as the group advanced, gaining attention from passersby and drivers who honked in solidarity. 

The chants captured the group’s core message: they want Penn and Bianchini to remain at Marshall Elementary, where they have long been considered vital school community members.

Both teachers are deeply embedded in the fabric of Marshall, known not only for their dedication to student learning but also for the strong relationships they have built with families over the years.

“I’ve been at this site for 25 years, and this year, I know all the families. I even bond with kids that aren’t in my class because I want to make them feel like they belong at our school,” said Penn. 

Parents in attendance spoke emotionally about Penn and Bianchini’s impact on their children. Several noted that the teachers had helped their students through academic struggles, emotional challenges, and even difficult family situations.

 “My child would not be where they are today without Ms. Bianchini,” one parent said. “She makes every student feel seen and cared for.” 

Another parent described Penn as “a light in the classroom, someone who brings out the best in every child.”

Although the reason for the transfer hasn’t been revealed by the district yet, both teachers believe that their transfer is retaliation for the formal complaints they have written about Marshall’s principal, Mistee Guzman.

 “I’m outspoken for the students, and if I consider something is wrong, I just don’t go along with it,” Penn said. She didn’t reveal what was in the complaints, but stated that some of it was “pretty bad.”

Upon reaching the CVUSD offices, the crowd gathered outside to deliver personal testimonies and demand transparency from the district. Several speakers addressed the school board, calling on board members and district officials to explain the rationale behind the transfers and to consider reversing the decision. They argued that such drastic measures only negatively impact the school and students.

The school board listened to the complaints of the protesters, but didn’t publicly comment on their final decision. 

However, Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi stated, “We do not make decisions casually,” and “decisions for transfers are not made by principals.”

Although CVUSD has not publicly commented in detail on the situation, organizers of the protest said they hope their demonstration sends a clear message and the teachers can stay at the place they consider their “second home.” 

“We’re here to say enough is enough,” one marcher declared. “Our teachers matter, and our voices will be heard.”