It was a night of both celebration and tension at the William S. Hart Union High School District Board meeting Wednesday evening. 

William S. Hart board members honored standout students, teachers, and community members but also faced sharp criticism from the public over issues of hate speech, discrimination, and how student voices are treated.

Celebrating Heroes In The District

The meeting opened with some heartfelt recognitions.

• Student Heroes – Three Sierra Vista Junior High students received recognition for saving their teacher’s life when she began choking in class. A letter read aloud called their actions “a powerful reminder of the profound impact one person can have on another’s life.”
• Teacher of the Year – Golden Valley High’s Nicholas Patti took the districtwide honor. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Collyn Nielsen praised him as someone who “leads with kindness, integrity and a willingness to step up wherever help is needed.”

A Closer Look At West Ranch High

West Ranch High School Principal Robert Fisher gave the board an update, and the numbers had board members smiling:

• 2,139 AP exams were taken last year – 148 more than the year before
• 84% of students passed – nearly a three-point increase

Fisher credited teachers for pushing students to rise to the challenge, “Providing the access is one thing, but our teachers do a phenomenal job of challenging and motivating them to be successful.”

Contracts, Raises And A Little Frustration

Employee groups also had their say.

• Hart Teachers Association President John Minkus urged trustees not to forget about teachers’ working conditions, “Please don’t ignore the needs of teachers and students… we are trained professionals, so please let us do our job.”
• On a more positive note, California School Employee Association Director Mia Reed confirmed that staff saw their negotiated raises and retroactive pay appear on September paychecks.

The board then unanimously adopted both the teachers union’s and district’s “sunshine proposals,” the opening step in full contract negotiations.

Public Comments Heat Up

The tone shifted sharply when it came time for public comment.

Community member Glenda warned of rising hostility, “The hate has been spreading around here… we shouldn’t have to walk out of these meetings watching our backs. Does someone have to get hurt before something is done?”

Another, longtime advocate Rebecca Hyman, said students at a previous meeting endured racist remarks from adults in the audience. 

She also accused trustees of showing disrespect to student board member Claire Angles.

“There were adults whispering disparaging comments in students’ ears like ‘you don’t belong here’ and ‘go back to your country.’ The board owes Miss Engels an apology,” said Hyman.

Later, Hyman returned to criticize the district’s overall handling of equity, “With yet another discrimination lawsuit being settled, you would think the district would actually do something to protect teachers and students… Where are the resources for persons of color, immigrants, LGBTQ and other marginalized communities?”

The next William S. Hart School Board meeting is expected to take place October 22, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the district office.

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