A beloved principal dubbed the heart of Pioneer Valley Union High School prompted a standing-room-only crowd to show up in support at a rare Wednesday morning school board meeting after she received a notice threatening termination.

The crowd filled the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District board room in support of Shanda Herrera, who was given a 45-day warning that emphasized termination Friday, the day after the school’s 18th commencement ceremony.

A rally in support of Herrera preceded the board meeting before a stream of faculty and students spoke up on behalf of the principal, some delivering fiery comments.

They called her a passionate leader, mentor and source of inspiration who provides wisdom, compassion and expertise, leading audience members to react with clapping and cheering.

“You will be making a grave mistake if you terminate Shanda Herrera as PV principal,” PVHS teacher and parent Teri Magni said. “Besides being the most effective principal I’ve ever worked for, Shanda’s caring and concern and helping go beyond anything I’ve seen in the workplace ever.”

The principal helped a staff member who had lost their will to live and posted on social media. Herrera knows names of students at the campus boasting an enrollment of 3,500.

“She is never above helping a kid, and she doesn’t ignore or pass to someone else the hard things,” Magni said. 

The principal stayed with a pregnant student in labor at the hospital until her parents arrived and then served as a mediator since they were not aware of the pregnancy.

Teacher Brent Mathias worked for several great principals in the district, he said.

“But I’ve never served under a principal more loved, more respected and more professional than Shanda Herrera,” Mathias said. “As a leader, Ms. Herrera has always stressed excellence. Her boundless positivity and high expectations have carried our campus through many hard times.”

Approximately 150 people, some carrying signs, showed up for the meeting that started at 9 a.m. followed by the board moving into a closed session for more than 45 minutes.

When he re-entered the room, Superintendent Antonio Garcia was greeted with boos and hisses from some people in the crowd. His contract extension and raise were up for consideration later in the meeting.

“We value that you are here,” board president Diana Perez said, adding that they had seen the online comments and emails about Herrera’s status. “Where I want to make sure that it’s clear is that employee discipline is not on the agenda. Therefore, board members cannot discuss it. We cannot.

“Because we cannot discuss it, I want to let you know that I’m going to call for a special meeting so that we can place it on the agenda and we can have a discussion,” Perez said, adding that they couldn’t answer questions or respond to concerns.

It’s not clear what they would say in a public meeting since personnel matters typically are  discussed in closed session.

Parent Paul Potter recalled that his son missed 70% of his junior year because of illness, but remained on track to graduate on time thanks to Herrera’s help. 

“That wouldn’t be possible if she didn’t care for the students,” Potter added. “Getting rid of her would be a big mistake. Election time’s coming, so keep that in mind.”

Makai Copado, who graduated from PVHS in 2023, said he represented former and current students. 

“Mrs. Herrera is a force of love and passion for the students and her job as principal,” Copado said. “It is evident that her soul is that of a mentor and a glistening light that leads by example for all that cross her path. She is an avid supporter of every child, whether they’re involved in sports, theater, arts, music and so much more.”

Some speakers questioned the timing of the termination taking place during summer.

Herrera grew up in the community and graduated from Santa Maria High School. She has worked for the district for more than 27 years, including four years as assistant principal at Pioneer Valley and 13 years as principal.

The reason for Herrera’s termination remains unknown, although one speaker referred to “verbiage in a text message and an email.”  

Herrera, the only woman filling the job of principal among the four campuses in the district, said she could not speak about specifics.

“I do feel like it’s personal,” she said, adding that she appreciated the support shown during the meeting. “This is PV. This is how PV operates.”

Ever the educator, Herrera, while speaking to media outside the meeting, couldn’t resist prodding summer school students about the importance of attendance. 

“Summer school’s only 16 days, so make sure you attend every day,” she said. “I hope they have a great summer, and I’ll see them in the fall.”