More than 130 Quincy High School students and parents showed up to protest Principal Sue Segura not being rehired. At least 110 students from grades 6-12 called in sick and stood out in the cold Tuesday, March 12, with signs advocating for Segura to be rehired.Photos by Laura Beaton

Laura Beaton

  Principal Sue Segura received notification Friday, March 8, that she would not be coming back to work for Plumas Unified School District as principal at Quincy High School.

  Segura said Superintendent Micheline Miglis came to her office and told her of the board’s decision the night before.

  In a telephone interview Monday, March 11, Segura said, “I love this community. I’m devastated.” Her voice broke.

  “I want to keep on doing what I’ve done for kids as long as I’ve been here and as long as the community supports me.

  “I want my grandkids to go to school here. It’s a great school. Look at our test scores — they are the highest in the district. Look at the colleges our kids go to.

  “We have the best teachers I’ve ever worked with.”

  Segura said she was not given a reason for her dismissal.

  “I’m numb,” she said.

  During closed session at the March 7 school board meeting, the board took action on an item relating to personnel: to non-reelect a public employee. The amended resolution 1375, Intent to Dismiss Certificated Employees, added 1 FTE Secondary School Principal to the list.

Principal Sue Segura

  Three members voted in favor, one abstained and one voted against the action, for overall approval to non-reelect.

  Parent and community supporter Jeff Cunan said, “The school board made a mistake that can easily be corrected. Losing Dr. Sue would damage the education of our children.

  “This mistake was made too hastily based on one-sided distortions in closed session,” Cunan added. “I’m certain that once the board becomes aware of the whole truth about Dr. Sue’s professionalism and tremendous contribution to this community, they will do the right thing and renew her contract.”

  Cunan said he has three sons who have benefited under Segura’s leadership. Last year his son Luis Rubalcava-Cunan was salutatorian. Cunan said Luis attributes much of his success to the guidance of Segura.

  Cunan is Segura’s family attorney.

  Miglis was hired in October 2012 as superintendent of schools. She had been assistant superintendent at Silver Valley Unified School District.

  There are several recent appointees to the board: Leslie Edlund began her term in December 2012, while Bret Cook began serving in April 2011. Bob Tuerck has been a board member since December 2010.

  President Chris Russell is in his fifth year as a board member and Sonja Anderson has been serving the board since December 2002.

  Although no reasons have been given for Segura’s contract non-renewal, there is ongoing litigation against the district, filed by J.C. Eaglesmith, that names Segura as a defendant.

  Five-year QHS teacher Ron Logan spoke out in support of Segura. “The culture and climate has been vastly improved since Sue got here,” he said.

  “The focus on academics in the classroom has been much better. There are several members of the staff who share that sentiment.

  “She has made me a better teacher in the last four years,” he said. “In the 20 years that I’ve been teaching in the district, Sue is one of the best, if not the best administrator I’ve worked with.”

  A secretary who answered a phone call seeking comment from Miglis said the superintendent was out of the office Monday.

  School board members said they could not comment on the action taken during closed session.