Alpine County residents are trying to recall the superintendent of schools.

The petition to do so has been filed with the county’s elections department.

Patrick Traynor

Patrick Traynor took the helm of Alpine County Office of Education/Alpine County Unified School District in July 2013. He was then elected to the position in November 2014, running unopposed. Prior to being hired to work in the Markleeville-based office, he was director of the Assessment Development and Administration Division with the state Department of Education.

The petition says, “He continues to make decision that are not in the best interest of the students and stakeholders despite feedback regarding his decisions, especially in the areas of meaningful learning experiences over excessive standardized testing.”

The district has one school – Diamond Valley. After eighth grade students usually choose between Douglas and South Tahoe high schools.

“Alpine County voters should know that many/most/all of the reasons given for a recall, all of which I disagree with, were not actions or decisions I made as county superintendent,” Traynor said in a statement to LTN. “All/many/most were made as the school district superintendent, a position appointed by the Alpine County School District board of trustees and from which I cannot be recalled. The reasons all refer to personnel decisions and student issues from which I am prohibited from commenting on by law.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report