A significant portion of the student body at Phoebe Hearst Elementary School in Sacramento did not attend classes on Monday in a coordinated protest against the removal of two sixth-grade teachers. The Sacramento City Unified School District confirmed that 244 of the school's 634 students were absent, which amounts to nearly 39% of the total enrollment.
The demonstration, which included a march outside the campus, was organized by parents and students to demand the reinstatement of teachers Jeanine Rupert and Mark Henrikson. The district has so far declined to reverse its decisions regarding the two educators.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 250 students at Phoebe Hearst Elementary stayed home from school on Monday, October 13, 2025.
- The protest centers on the reassignment of teacher Jeanine Rupert and the administrative leave of teacher Mark Henrikson.
- Rupert was disciplined after removing flea-infested carpet from her classroom, while Henrikson was placed on leave after advocating for her return.
- The school district has stated the personnel matter is concluded and has not commented on the protest.
- Rupert's lawyer has threatened legal action, alleging retaliation and discrimination by the district.
Details of the Teacher Removals
The controversy began at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. According to reports, sixth-grade teacher Jeanine Rupert removed a piece of carpet from her classroom following a flea infestation. The Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) disciplined her for this action by reassigning her to a different school for the current academic year.
In response to Rupert's reassignment, her colleague Mark Henrikson, who also taught sixth grade in the Gifted and Talented Education program, became a vocal supporter. He attended school board meetings and public demonstrations, advocating for her return to Phoebe Hearst Elementary.
Earlier this month, the district placed Henrikson on administrative leave. His classroom is now being managed by a substitute teacher, leaving both sixth-grade classes without their permanent instructors.
District's Stance on the Issue
SCUSD Superintendent Lisa Allen previously denied a parent request for a town hall meeting to discuss the situation. She stated that the personnel issue involving Rupert had been resolved through due process. District spokesperson Al Goldberg has reiterated that the district will not provide further comment on the matter.
Parents and Students Organize Walkout
Frustrated by the district's response, parents organized Monday's protest to draw more attention to their cause. Around 150 parents and students from various grade levels participated in a march around the school grounds, carrying signs and chanting in support of the two teachers.
Signs displayed messages such as "Our teachers are more valuable than old carpet," a direct reference to the incident that led to Rupert's reassignment. Another sign altered the district's motto to read, "SCUSD, putting retribution first."
Janelle Reali, a parent at the school, expressed the community's frustration. "We don’t have any answers from the district," she said. "We don’t know why these teachers are gone, and they’re not responding to us, and they just won’t listen to us."
Impact on the Classroom
Students report significant disruption to their learning environment. The frequent change in instructors has created what some describe as a chaotic atmosphere. One student noted that his class has been taught by ten different people since the school year began.
Student Voices from the Protest
The lack of stable instruction is a primary concern for students. Mateo Friedman-Pitti, a sixth-grader who was in Rupert's former class, described the situation as unsettling.
"It’s chaos — it’s not even fun to come to Phoebe anymore every day, because very few times do we actually know who’s going to be in front of our class teaching. We’ve had 10 people teaching us this year."
Friedman-Pitti added that the only academic progress he felt he had made this year was in Henrikson's advanced math class. With Henrikson now on leave, he said he felt his learning had stalled completely.
Allegations of Retaliation and Potential Legal Action
The conflict has escalated beyond protests, with legal action now a possibility. Jeanine Rupert has formally requested her job back at Phoebe Hearst. Her attorney submitted a letter to the district last week, indicating a lawsuit may be filed if she is not reinstated.
The letter outlines several serious allegations against the school district:
- Retaliation: Rupert claims the district's actions are retaliation for her reporting of unsafe classroom conditions (the flea infestation) and for her public opposition to a plan to eliminate full-day kindergarten at the school.
- Sex-Based Discrimination: The letter also alleges that male teachers and administrators have undertaken more significant classroom renovations without facing similar disciplinary measures.
Community Support for Educators
Parents involved in the organizing efforts consistently describe both Rupert and Henrikson as dedicated educators who went "above and beyond" for their students. Kim Mulligan, a key parent organizer, highlighted their importance to the school.
"They really are the cornerstone of our Phoebe Hearst community," Mulligan stated, emphasizing the deep connection the teachers have with students and families.
The protest on Monday represents a continued effort by the school community to pressure the Sacramento City Unified School District into addressing their concerns and reinstating the two teachers.