The Chula Vista Elementary School District is set to vote next week on appointing teachers union president Rosi Martinez as the new director of community schools. The position oversees a network of programs at 13 schools that provide academic and social‑service support to high‑needs students and families, with a salary that can reach $176,781.
Allegations of political favoritism
Former community schools director Joshua Kohler, who left the district in June to move to Europe with his family, says the hiring process shows clear signs of political favoritism. Kohler and other current and former employees acknowledge Martinez’s talent as an educator and union leader but argue she lacks the administrative and budgeting experience needed to manage a district‑wide program.
“Seeing these things take place as elections come close, it seems to be self‑serving rather than based off of community interest,” Kohler told Voice of San Diego. He added that Martinez’s recent political activities, including the union’s $101,173 spend on a statewide education ballot initiative and three board‑candidate campaigns, could create conflicts of interest in a role that should remain apolitical.
Union involvement in recent elections
During the 2025‑2026 election cycle, the teachers union backed incumbent board member Jessica Tolston and newcomer Leticia Segura, both of whom won their seats. An effort to unseat board member Delia Domínguez Cervantes, a known union critic, failed despite the union spending more than $10,000 of its own money and transferring $50,000 to an allied labor organization.
Critics point to the timing of the job posting and salary increase as further evidence of favoritism. The district first posted the community schools director vacancy on May 20, then halted the process, revised the job description, raised the salary, and reposted it on August 25 with an application deadline of August 31. After board trustee Francisco Tamayo suggested adding Family Resource Center duties and raising the salary to attract qualified candidates, the board voted unanimously to increase the maximum pay to $176,781.
Martinez’s response
Martinez, who helped launch the district’s community schools program and has led the teachers union since 2021, rejects the allegations. “My decades‑long background in education is important in moving community schools work forward and ensuring that the supports extend into the classroom to meet the needs of our students in our highest‑needs schools,” she said. “As president of a union of 1,400 members, I have parity with the district’s superintendent and oversee organizing, bargaining and campaigning. To say I am not qualified for this position is baseless.”
District’s official stance
District spokesperson Giovanna Castro defended the hiring process, stating, “The district has established a clear hiring process for all positions and has honored that process every step of the way. Its commitment to transparency, accountability and doing what is right for students, families and the community has never wavered, and it never will.” She added, “It is easy to offer criticism from the sidelines. It is far more difficult to remain engaged, confront challenges and contribute to meaningful solutions.”
Community impact
The community schools director role is critical for vulnerable families, overseeing food distribution, counseling, and other essential services through the district’s Family Resource Centers. While Martinez’s supporters highlight her experience establishing the program, opponents argue that managing a multi‑site operation with a sizable budget requires proven administrative expertise.
As the school board prepares to vote, stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and local civic leaders—are urging the district to prioritize merit and experience over political connections, emphasizing the need for stable leadership that can effectively serve the district’s most vulnerable students.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
