The Cupertino Courier
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Online petition backing Monta Vista teachers shows support
More than 350 students and parents endorse the inquiry
By HUGH BIGGAR
More than 350 students and parents have signed an online petition asking for an investigation into the departure of two popular Monta Vista High School teachers.
The petition specifically endorses teacher Tim Krieger, though some also left comments in support of Melanie Walczak, who taught leadership with Krieger.
Both teachers quit the Fremont Union High School District this summer under controversial circumstances.
Krieger, a biology teacher, applied for a transfer to a guidance resource teacher opening at Monta Vista in May. In June, district administrator Polly Bove suggested he apologize to Monta Vista guidance resource teacher Cathy Katz. According to the district, Katz was upset about the possibility of working with Krieger due to a previous cheating incident. Seven years earlier, Krieger accused Katz's daughter of cheating, an accusation later overturned. Cathy Katz's husband, Avie Katz, is now president of the school board.
Instead, Krieger and Walczak both took a leave of absence and Krieger then resigned, bringing a simmering controversy to a full boil.
Given Katz's position as head of the board, students and parents smelled politics and sought answers as to why Krieger and Walczak left. As part of that process, Monta Vista students attended two July board meetings and voiced their support for the teachers.
Avie Katz has since said Krieger did not have the necessary credentials to become a guidance resource teacher.
The Fremont Education Association, a teachers union, and students say this overlooks Krieger's leadership abilities as a teacher and coach.
Krieger taught a top-ranked advanced-placement biology course, co-taught leadership with Walczak, served as science department chairman and coached cross-country.
In a letter he wrote to the board June 25, Krieger also listed a dispute
over arrangements for senior prom pictures as a reason for his departure. In that incident, Krieger and Walczak reportedly encountered problems over a room to be used for the photos--a room they found decorated for a party instead.
The Katz situation has generated the fiercest response from the community.
After the strong show of support from students, alumni and parents seeking answers, board member Nancy Newton suggested the board investigate.
The district board is now scheduled to do so Aug. 22. Three of five board members must vote yes for the investigation to take place.
Those signing the petition hope their collective show of support helps make that happen.
As one petition signer, Carol Stancek, said, "An investigation can't bring them back, but hopefully it can shed some light and assign accountability."
Krieger and Walczak have moved to Seattle.
