Poway Unified to keep next board meeting virtual after reports that trustees received death threats

Poway Unified School District trustees have received death threats and have had protesters visit their homes with “stacks of manifesto documents,” according to the superintendent.

In a brief five-minute special virtual meeting Monday afternoon, the school board voted to stay with remote gatherings for its next monthly meeting due to safety concerns.

Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps announced at the meeting that in the past several weeks, board members have received death threats to themselves and their families.

“We hope to be able to open up our board meetings as soon as it’s safe to do so, but until that time staff recommends for us to meet virtually and online for the November 18th board meeting,” Phelps said.

Christine Paik, chief communication officer for the district, on Wednesday confirmed that the death threats and harassment occurred. But she declined to offer more information, saying the district is continuing to work with local law enforcement.

“It’s part of a larger ongoing investigation, so we can’t give details,” Paik said.

Monday’s decision follows disruptions at two recent board meetings. At the board’s virtual Oct. 14 meeting, a man and a woman were arrested after being warned that they were trespassing in the district lobby and then refusing to leave.

At the Sept. 9 meeting, a “Let Them Breathe” rally that began before the meeting became so disruptive the board had to adjourn before completing its business. Let Them Breathe is a group that wants masks to be optional and to end mask mandates for children and adults, according to its website.

No public comments were made during Monday’s meeting.

Another special board meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday. The board will meet in closed session with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.