Members of the Support Our Schools San Dieguito (SOS)

Members of the Support Our Schools San Dieguito (SOS) group were pleased at the community response to their request for help in the recall effort of Michael Allman in Area 4 of the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD).

Organizers of SOS drew about 60 community members and supporters to their cause. As volunteers gathered at Solana Highlands School Park on Saturday morning, the mood was serious yet positive; petition-gatherers could finally act on the frustration they have felt over having born witness to the polarization and division of their beloved SDUHSD.

Since his election in November 2020, there has been legal, educator, and administrator fallout and upheaval that has cast a shadow over this outstanding, nationally-recognized school district

Before walking the prescribed precincts, SOS members and supporters of the education community conveyed their belief about why Michael Allman should be recalled from the SDUHSD school board.

Andie Gately, Canyon Crest Academy

Andie Gately, a local Canyon Crest Academy standout who spoke to the group, believes Michael Allman sent a clear message to every SDUHSD student when he stated student voices hold “near zero value” in district decisions. ‘I’m here to stand for and with students in recalling Mr. Allman”, she explained.

For 8-year Parent volunteer and former PTA parent Stephanie Kowack, it’s about the damage done to the dignity and respect of their school district that led her to joining SOS; “I cannot stand by and let these attacks continue for another 3 years.”

San Dieguito Faculty Association (SDFA) President Duncan Brown

San Dieguito Faculty Association (SDFA) President Duncan Brown spoke about the rancor caused by politicizing the role of trustee and questioned the motivation of Allman for his pursuit of the position; “He is a failed congressional candidate whose children never attended public schools. Frankly, our trustee positions are not consolation prizes for failed politicians.”

Brown explained that Allman’s short tenure has undermined the historic collaboration and mutual respect between educators, board members and the community that are the underpinnings of the district’s outstanding reputation and national accolades.

Parent volunteer Stella Sung, who has two students in the district, (a rising 6th grader and incoming freshman) put it plainly; “I have every incentive to ensure there’s a workable partnership so we can retain and recruit great educators and administrators for our district.”

The Saturday SOS San Dieguito event was the first effort in a months-long strategy to gather the necessary signatures to place the recall of Allman on the ballot. The kickoff effort succeeded in garnering over 100 recall signatures.

Organizers were pleased so many like-minded community members turned out. Allman’s destructive behavior has been exposed and voters will determine whether his tenure will be tolerated by Area 4 voters for another three years.