Video: Phoebe Hearst online meeting shows lingering tension over teacher removal

A virtual town hall Monday revealed that tension between parents of Phoebe Hearst Elementary School and Sacramento City Unified leadership remains after the controversial removal of sixth-grade teacher Jeanine Rupert and the administrative leave of fellow educator Mark Henrikson.

Both teachers’ absences — and the district’s handling of the fallout — have sparked a months-long uproar, with parents alleging the district acted rashly and with little transparency.

Board President Jasjit Singh faced pointed questions from families demanding answers on the district’s personnel decisions and the impact on classroom stability.

At the heart of the dispute is Rupert’s reassignment after she pulled up classroom carpet she described as “riddled with fleas,” a move the district claims caused more than $22,000 in damages. Henrikson, who vocally supported Rupert’s return, was subsequently placed on leave for what parents describe as retaliatory reasons.

The controversy escalated after a previously scheduled in-person town hall was abruptly cancelled in the wake of legal developments.

Singh, participating in Monday’s virtual meeting, repeatedly apologized for delays in communication and emphasized the limited power individual board members hold over personnel issues, which he said must be handled by district human resources according to established protocols. Parents, meanwhile, voiced frustration over inconsistent classroom grading, lack of transparency regarding public records requests, and what they see as a chilling effect on teacher advocacy.

Singh promised to push for answers and swifter action.

This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 4:05 PM.

David Caraccio

The Sacramento Bee

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David Caraccio is a video producer for The Sacramento Bee who was born and raised in Sacramento. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and a longtime journalist who has worked for newspapers as a reporter, editor, page designer and digital content producer.