Antioch Unified board president calls for superintendent resignation after NBC Bay Area report

Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez is calling for Superintendent Stephanie Anello to step down from her position as the district's top official. Candice Nguyen reports.
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[@techman8817]

How does the superintendent just sit there and not answer? Clearly she knows she’s guilty.

[@DarknessFalls29]

The usual political move. Stay quiet when you've been exposed for being corrupt.

[@juvevalerio3240]

That exactly what I thought when I saw her face. Zero accountability on behalf of the board members as well.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Humanity is super classy. Megalomaniacal narcissists are handed "responsibilities", and yet, they have the temperaments of p§¥¢h0s like Amburr Hurd, Aleggz Jonez, Wil Smyth, etc., etc. Stop giving these types of people coin, connections, clout, crews, control, etc.

[@ritatownsend7408]

They’re extraordinarily childish people but they can’t see it. Acting this way doesn’t bother them a bit. It entertains them. Just like bully children and their little group of followers. Unfortunately they are not children and they are hurting many people. It’s amazing to me how many adults are like this.

[@fredothechimp]

She's definitely complicit but the Brown Act doesn't allow them to reply direct to public comment that isn't on the agenda during the meeting. She could've definitely said "I'm not allowed to address that directly here but..." And given some explanation.

[@mrparkerdan]

3 of the 5 board members are also part of this disgrace. they and the superintendent should resign, or face a recall. and fire the manager immediately.

[@dharris6796]

Completely agree; those 3 should be removed also

[@joeblow1688]

I agree. If I lived in that city, I would personally go door to door to recall those "Public" School Board members. It is clear they do not value this community or their responsibility.

[@mrsdraper171]

The gentleman who retired early should be able to get his job back.

[@ac61900]

Maybe he can sue.

[@xlerb2286]

Good luck on getting the job back, but if he gets a lawyer and rattles the sabre he may get a settlement. I don't know that he'd win a court case but the district would get a lot of bad publicity and they may pay up to avoid that coming out.

[@arden8873]

With back pay also

[@robertobradford3968]

I spoke to him a week before he retired. He said that he loved the job, but hated the environment and would not come back again. He already had something else lined up.

[@thefourhorsemen91]

She is such a coward. Just sits there and tries to stare that speaker down? Cowardice.

[@purplemist7]

Zero accountability. She does not deserve her position.

[@mcmlxv9827]

The school board had to be embarrassed and upset with her.

[@binaryvoid0101]

Her silent incompetence is deafening.

[@AliasHSW]

The 3 board members that refused to address the issues are complicit accomplices to a hostile workplace

[@mr.rhinehart410]

When we will look at difficult situations, crimes or hostile environments we tend to look at the perpetrator and the victims but we never look at the complicit accomplices that allow that type of atmosphere to continue. That is one of keys 🔑 to everything.

[@mesister3862]

​@@GreenVibezIguanaDaddyWhy the whole board? Two board members are trying to address the issues but they can't meet alone. Three can't or won't meet with them.

[@kennethwoods6525]

Look it up. Kim Atkinson testified in front of the school board about this a year ago and their investigation led to no findings.

[@RLucas3000]

The news should give out those 3 board members addresses so the public can write to them or pocket their houses until they do their jobs. I’ll bet anything she refuses to resign.

[@marionhartmann240]

Well said

[@seanmolloy6188]

Don't ask. She needs to be informed that she no longer has a job. And the other guy needs to be fired on the spot.

[@LaineyBug2020]

It has to be a decision by the board, 3 out of 5 of which refused to convene to hear the matter. It's not a decision that can be made unilaterally, unfortunately.

[@gigia2030]

Hopefully pressure from the media will make the board fire the SOB! They need to keep pressure on them all and dig deep into their back grounds.

[@noteworthyinsignificance]

​@@LaineyBug2020 Because they're all friends and think this is a joke.

[@aananimity]

The Board hires & fires the Supt. So, she needs to be reprimanded by the Board. Reminds me of the "good old boy network" even though she is female.

[@Kaleb1988]

He has to get fired formally. FORMALLY!! His entire background should be ruined by his degrading ego!! Those public servants who bullied by him can sue him and the lady too.

[@mojave7604]

Should, but, firing him would be nearly impossible. Stepping down is the quickest and best option. Needs to step down ASAP.

[@ft1011-vb7sp]

At least if you google his name, the news reporting this pops up, so hopefully no workplace will want him as a political liability

[@rondaallen7211]

Turnage has been fired from other high profile positions but he keeps powerful company and always manages to get a supervisor job.

[@9sheri9]

Stay on them, NBC Bay! Excellent job with this reporting.

[@madbug1965]

Fire him and his cronies the superintendent and her husband. These three loser need to be fired and sued.

[@emilywagner6354]

And the three board members trying to turn a blind eye.

[@johnbergman2746]

H.R is not your friend.....get a lawyer. Document every time you meet with them ...

[@robertobradford3968]

HR is not there to protect the employee's interests; they're there to protect the company's interests.

[@TammyBarich]

My son worked for him and had to sue him in a class action lawsuit for the exact same behavior and he won.

[@user-lh5re8jh7u]

Class action? There were other plaintiffs?

[@TammyBarich]

Yes and everyone who worked there during those years all got a piece of the pie. Employees have rights. He went to a labor law lawyer.

[@user-lh5re8jh7u]

@@TammyBarich Wowzer. Seems like the school district should be liable for negligent hiring/retainment of that guy!

[@davidkermes376]

pass along his lawyer's name.

[@TammyBarich]

Did you see the lawyers info i posted? If not I'll post again tomorrow ​@davidkermes376

[@AliasHSW]

Sue for hostile work environment

[@Kp-uy3jz]

Take it to the NLRB !!!!!🤔

[@marycarter6134]

I was a teacher in the Antioch district. I am appalled that Gary Hack and Mary Rocha would not attend an emergency meeting of the Board. At the same time, I'm not surprised at the actions of the maintenance supervisor. He feels bulletproof due to his friendship with the Superintendent, no doubt.

[@noteworthyinsignificance]

Unfortunately it's the same old, same old from all these people. They make fun of us regular people behind closed doors.

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

This man and his sociopathic behavior needs to go, along with the superintendent. Both are an embarrassment to the school district and frankly appear dangerous and unhinged. The three board members who support this behavior need to go as well! I'm glad Mr. Hernandez has publicly denounced this behavior! The employees who have been threatened need to file a lawsuit against the district. 😡😡😡

[@HostileTakeover555]

Stop using words that you don’t understand the meaning of. Actions that you don’t like and don’t agree with DOESN’T equal sociopathic behavior. Is he being mean and being unprofessional, yes - but calling it “sociopathic” diminishes the meaning of the word

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

@@HostileTakeover555 The definition of sociopathic is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. So obviously I do understand the meaning the word. My use of the word is simply an accurate description of this obviously unhinged man, so stop trolling. 🙄

[@mastakush4272]

​@@HostileTakeover555ok clown! 😂 you must of voted for biden! 😂

[@chuchulainn9275]

​@@HostileTakeover555 I agree that we as a society use psychological terms too casually but sometimes it is obvious.

[@robthomas5488]

Fire her! Don't "ask" her?

[@mcmlxv9827]

They need at least 3 board members to have a meeting and need 3 to vote to terminate.

[@Criminal.Lawyer.2024]

Classic example of cronyism and corruption. First, let's file a formal recall petition for the three board members who refuse to even meet to discuss the matter. Second, start gathering recall signatures. Third, once the board members are recalled, we will not vote for ANYONE who does not pledge to fire Superintendent Stephanie Anello. Fourth, the new board members must pledge to appoint a new Superintendent who will fire Kenneth Turnage. Fifth, a formal investigation must be launched to determine if any other ethical or legal issues have been violated. These bad people have clearly forgotten that they are accountable to us---the taxpayers.

[@propblast82nd]

Should be fired

[@rbass7674]

No wonder the schools suck.

[@Zigzog420]

The way she just sits there when faced with her disgusting conduct says enough. Board seems to be run by a group of pos as well since this obviously isn't a priority for 3 of them.

[@lookingfordrama01]

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY SUE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.😡😡😡

[@roshelltannen9698]

I would.

[@Jr-qo4ls]

Nothing. Taxpayers end up footing the bill.

[@user-pd6yk1qv5n]

Make no mistake - Antonio Hernandez is doing the right thing NOW because this has hit the news media. Kim Atkinson bravely spoke at a Board of Trustees meeting more than a year ago and stated she was afraid she was “committing career suicide” for speaking out regarding the abuse of this Director (Turnage) toward staff, and that nothing was being done because of his personal relationship with the Superintendent and her husband. She begged the Board to do something. Nothing changed. And here they are. I hope to God they do the right thing now.

[@kennethwoods6525]

Was Antonio Hernandez on the school board when Kim Atkinson besieged them for help twice? The supervisor and the superintendent may not be the only ones who need replacing.

[@andrewc662]

The community needs to vote out all those board members that don't show up. Even start a criminal investigation to see if they are involved in any other shenanigans.

[@chloepompom1094]

So proud of him, Board President! Good job to take action right away to avoid potential lawsuits. Justice done!

[@dirtyfrench2926]

You might want to look into the details before patting anyone on the back. The desk thing was a year or 2 ago and this has been going on for several years with no actions taken until the story hit national news.

[@Andthebeetgoeson]

I have worked in situations like this and truly it is so mentally draining. Wishing those employees peace in their jobs. ❤

[@DarknessFalls29]

That board should be meeting to stop the injustices going in the Workplace because that will have a negative impact on the staff and students. Shame on those being complacent.

[@Elizabeth-nf8dr]

Keep reporting on this. I'm following. Expecting more for Antioch and Antioch kids.

[@infinitetanner]

Superintendent, Resign NOW!!!!!

[@bomorris5050]

If you say NOTHING, then they have nothing. She's just waiting for this all to blow over... and she kept the friend in a cushy position, she just hid him away. He keeps his big $$$ position.

[@ranielm2024]

I'd get those victim together and sue the school district.

[@valleylivin1479]

All these people don’t care about the school system!! They just working

[@paulchezkari6952]

This is real.reporting, thank you!!

[@robertobradford3968]

Not really. She only presents one side of the story. To be sure, Turnage is a dick to everyone. Everyone in the district hates him. However, that doesn't mean that this is a balanced story.

[@RoyJNg]

Well, like I said in the previous video, once this news go around the Bay Area and in the entire state, uh oh, karma is coming soon.

[@dawnprimerano8255]

ABSOLUTELY HE NEEDS TO STEP DOWN ALONG WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT!!!

[@RayneRuth]

Thank you, all, for taking a stand. We need to stop tolerating this type of behavior. Raise the bar; demand integrity and embed high quality leadership into your culture. Eject the bad actors.

[@runningguy98]

This will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not seven figures in legal settlements.

[@fillup40]

I worked for a school district in the bay area 18 years, I see stuff like this happen all the time. Nothing new. All in who you know.

[@ritatownsend7408]

Unfortunately you are spot on.

[@noteworthyinsignificance]

You should hear what they say about us behind closed doors...

[@buzzkilr1675]

I was a California teacher for 24 years and this type of cronyism and CORRUPTION in education is pretty common!!!

[@tenacious1]

Yep get her outta there Mr. Hernandez 💪🏾. You're a good man.

[@robertobradford3968]

No, he's not. He's one of Ellie Householder's goons.

[@AW-xz9vc]

I would certainly like to know, why the husband is a FORMER police chief. Birds of a feather flock together!

[@bcdarling3488]

I haven't found anything on him yet but the most recent police chief Steven Ford I think it is just resigned for racist text messages scandal

[@bcdarling3488]

Found him. He retired in 2017 on good terms after 29 years of service

[@robertobradford3968]

He's a former police chief because he retired from the force about 8 years ago. Since he's no longer the police chief, that makes him a FORMER police chief. It's not that complicated.

[@FilmthepoliceKC]

The look on her face when she was called out was so worth it and so priceless! Now only if news reporters investigated and called out our politicians! That would definitely be worth it!!!

[@juvevalerio3240]

There has to be some kind violations that can result in the termination of this members of the bord

[@amethystflower8799]

My heart goes out to those employees

[@MK-tk8tb]

The school district must be held accountable for the Supers incompetence.

[@videt7459]

The Board previously held a meeting to try to dismiss her in 2021 for poor job performance, she's horrible.

[@robertobradford3968]

Nope. That was a politically motivated meeting that Ellie Householder, Antioch's very own Donald Trump, called at the last minute because she never liked Stephanie. At that meeting, pretty much every district employee stood up for Stephanie. There were something like 350 speaker comments that night, out of which about 270 were in support of Stephanie. She has lots of faults, but she's far from being horrible.

[@richardlong8180]

We need to seriously audit all the bay area school districts and the unions that are keeping them from operating efficiently or logically.

[@davidwhocares3293]

What a jerk, you know a lot of people in these school districts have jobs that they are not qualified to do not to mention their have no business running people as a manager, they do not know how to deal with people or handle people and have no business doing so, these jobs are just handed over to friends with no experience needed, and all of these jobs in all of the school districts need to be looked at to see if the hiring process was fair because I guarantee you 75% of it is not

[@alexlopez5800]

You Can run, but you can't hide...

[@sherri8347]

FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST DISTRICT, HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT, THAT WILL GET THEM ACTING

[@jaytate491]

Antiochs superintendents have almost all been corrupt even back into the 80s - 90's when I was in school there. Mary Rocha keeps getting elected and I have no clue why. She's a horrible human being. Been a quarter century since I was in town but boy am I glad to be out of that dysfunction.

[@noteworthyinsignificance]

You should hear what they say about students and their parents behind closed doors. I bet someone has a recording!

[@Rhaspun]

I used to have an employee who had a child going to school in the AUSD. The daughter was getting close to entering high school. The employee and the husband were saving their money to move down to San Jose. They were giving up a lot of things to save their money for the move. They wanted to avoid having their child go to high school in Antioch.

[@airops9825]

Ripe for a hostile work environment lawsuit. Glad to see the board Prez being the adult in the room.

[@Bronson-bh8lg]

This is the 2nd time Stephanie Anello has been asked to step down within a three year period. What is going on here? Show her the door and find someone willing to do the job properly and expose those who are protecting her and get rid of them as well.

[@wildterriers]

Keep turning up the heat!

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

What an embarrassment to this city and district. Grown adults acting like little toddlers. I don’t care who my friend is, they act like that they are out. I don’t befriend bullies. Makes me wonder what kind of bully this superintendent is.

[@SamSung-ww3rp]

And people wonder why teachers and other school staff are leaving in droves

[@davinxi5926]

Don’t have policy on work place bullying, and hostile work environments, favoritism. Do they have policy on the books to deal with this

[@agilk9]

Yes! Get rid of her!

[@Calalilyuf]

I hope Antonio does what the previous President could not. Apparently they tried to have Stephanie removed in 2021.

[@sfkarch]

If ever there was a house to be cleaned, it’s this one. Everyone who knew what was happening and did nothing, should be fired or made to step down immediately. It’s time to hold people accountable and call for a special election for the school board to fill the vacant spots.

[@worldtraveler3044]

This is going viral nationally so best to just fire these rotten apples. Plus you have the issue of misuse of taxpayer money with the desk nonsense.

[@BoomBoom-xn7ud]

2:07 This is the face of a brave man who isn't afraid to stand up for what's right (unlike his colleagues) Mr.Antonio Hernandez, YOU ARE APPRECIATED. Thank you!

[@robertobradford3968]

That's the face of someone who thinks he can score some easy political points. He doesn't have the best interests of the district in mind. He's almost as bad as Ellie Householder was.

[@user9b2]

He should be fired then brought up on charges.

[@orangeswirls324]

I’m glad to hear a positive update on this. Shame on the other 3 board members; they are not doing their duty by keeping the school staff safe and it should be their responsibility to take a swift action.

[@RaymondHng]

Are these employees members of a union?

[@robertobradford3968]

Yes. CSEA chapter 85. Kim Atkinson is a substitute union steward, and her husband is the president.

[@susanw489]

What sort of "friend" would permit them to behave in such a way and not speak out? What does this jerk have over the Anellos that they would condone this?

[@thom8728]

When the superintendent went catatonic when questioned during the school board meeting, not a good look. She was having a serious "oh shit" moment.

[@mr.rhinehart410]

To remain silent? If she's not doing anything wrong why remain silent. Apparently there is something there? The catatonic expression is what is called "indifference"

[@maylani3697]

The 3 other superintendents fear retaliation since her husband is the former police chief.

[@robertobradford3968]

There's 1 (one) superintendent. Her husband has no power in the police force anymore.

[@yuli9561]

Those three board members should be investigated as well ! They look guilty for not showing up . They need to take action and fire the superintendent and the other guy immediately

[@dukenallow2673]

THANK YOU NBC Bay Area! PLEASE don't stop investigating. PLEASE take a look at AUSD long term employees who have resigned, transferred out of district, and retired early. This is public information. Have AUSD student scores improved under this superintendent? It's ALL related.

[@robertobradford3968]

Why, as a matter of fact, student scores at AUSD *have* improved under Stephanie. You can look it up on the State of California's Dashboard.

[@Chowlife]

SUE THE ENTIRE DISTRICT Again, reporter Nguyen is a true investigative journalist 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@capitolemiproducer]

I wonder if the employees have contacted the NLRB.

[@Schnuki_________]

Great reporting!

[@rickibenton8851]

Fire both of them.

[@johnniemcbride2772]

Turnage and Anello should BOTH be fired. Harassing workers like this is unacceptable in today's world. Union or not.

[@user-vg7fn9lv2e]

Fire Both of them! Why would you trust 195 MILLION DOLLARS of tax payer dollars in the hands of this GUY and the corrupt crony Supervisor. Clearly neither of them have a moral compass. Despicable behavior by both of them.

[@buicklincoln]

Sue the school district and your union for failure to represent and take action.

[@lolanono1117]

ALL involved need to be FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!😮Jobs given back to employees that was bullied!The husband and wife (Stephanie)need to be fired from their position😮

[@zdave6083]

Uhhh...ain't you listening? They can't be fired. Must be voted out or quit. Neither is likely.

[@davinxi5926]

Lots of district shenanigans.

[@wethenorth6437]

If the Superintendent isn't fired along with the bully I would get the group together and launch a lawsuit against the school board. Everyone deserves respect on the job. Unfortunately bullies in the workplace are all too common and often their behavior gets swept under the rug and covered up until you hand them a legal document. Only then do they start to take action. Too little too late in this case.

[@lilithstribe]

How does the bully get to keep his job? What message does that send to the kids we're trying to teach not to bully?

[@CJ3228]

If you can't show up for a meeting you better have a good excuse or put in your resignation

[@idaslapter5987]

Misappropriation of school equipment, materials, and employee labor to put that desk on the roof should be enough grounds to fire Turnage. Period.

[@drifter503]

Stay on this, there’s more going on here

[@Krobra91]

sounds like those other three board member also need to go

[@roselynn816]

Get these people off the board!

[@michaelgabriel7919]

The look on her face... and the dead silence... tells you everything you need to know.

[@maryelaine-blinstrubchambe6083]

Im so glad. The workers need to be protected!

[@Pbav8tor]

Great reporting! Thank you.

[@rygregory]

I’m glad this is gaining traction. Bullies are annoying. But ADULT bullies are just pathetic. I hope that the supervisor and the superintendent lose their jobs and are sued. As for the former police chief, judging by the kinds of people he surrounds himself with, I’m pretty sure he has some dirt on him too. Matter of time before someone comes out with something on him.

[@michelekinsley6814]

Great job staying on this story.

[@SteveinSanFrancisco]

Good... They better do something before they're hit with a huge lawsuit

[@migueldelaguardia]

Thank you NBC Bay Area.Your great work made a huge difference.This free press at their best.👍

[@em.415]

His “friends” need to step down too.

[@vicki826]

Does the board president not have the authority to fire the superintendent?

[@mcmlxv9827]

Nope, they need three out of the 5 board members to vote to terminate. It is shocking that 3 of the board members could not be available for a Emergency Meeting considering the circumstances. Disgraceful.

[@mikeellis5347]

Board president needs to start an investigation..if found true dismiss him.

[@mimih5889]

Uh oh! Three board members need to be looked at as well!

[@scottsent8120]

Why is this just now getting to the school board? Why didn't the bullied employees go to the school board as soon as they knew and saw that the superintendent would do nothing?

[@xzero422]

Bullies are only as strong as their friends and subordinates make them.

[@snicksabea]

Their friends.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

It’s time for voters to get new candidates on the school board who can replace the superintendent & the friend who’s not fit to be at the school district. This kind of drama among the adults can’t be tolerated.

[@zombiecutiejc]

Those victims all need to collectively take legal action against at least the school employee & the superintendent. They have enough evidence & witnesses for a strong case, maybe then she'll have something to say...

[@jackiegarcia8462]

Yes yes finally someone is paying attention

[@NatalieCooper-gf8nz]

Definitely file a lawsuit, I didn't know I could now statue of limitations