October 25 Report Card: Failing Grades: TVUSD Board's In-Fighting Derails District Business
1TVPAC Team
Temecula, CA—The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) Board of Trustees has hit a new low, earning dismal marks in their October report card. Continuous infighting and personal grievances overshadow their core responsibilities. The first half of the year was plagued by unproductive meetings, and the situation has only worsened, moving the board further from effective governance.
As a community member noted in his public comments, the persistent conflict among trustees mirrors the "storming" phase of group development—a turbulent stage marked by conflict and resistance. But there's no apparent movement toward the productive "performing" stage. Instead of focusing on the district's educational needs, trustees remain preoccupied with political posturing and personal disputes.
A noticeable shift during the October meeting was the lack of outside agitators who often come to support Trustees Wiersma and Komrosky. Both members also toned down their grandstanding. However, this absence of disruption did little to redirect the trustees' focus back to district business.
A Disengaged Presidency and Failed Leadership
Board President Melinda Anderson received an F for the month, demonstrating continued ineffectiveness. Her focus remains on personality conflicts rather than district priorities. She herself said that she doesn't actively participate in committee work or regularly visit schools, leaving her disengaged from district realities. Her retaliation against Trustee Barham (removing him from subcommittees) after his disapproval of her actions was outside the scope of her duties and appeared to be driven by personal feelings rather than data.
Dr. Joseph Komrosky received another F. Despite his two and a half years of experience as a board member, has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the leadership or professionalism expected of a trustee. Instead of helping to guide the board toward constructive dialogue and sound decision-making, he continues to show combative behavior and makes personal attacks on fellow trustees. Komrosky brings nothing of value to meetings, offering no meaningful policy proposals, no agenda items, and no evidence of genuine governance. His focus appears to be advancing his own political grudges, undermining the board’s effectiveness and damaging public trust in the process.
Focus on Self Over Students
Trustee Jennifer Wiersma again earned an F for her performance both in the board room and outside. Though she speaks of “honesty” and caring for students, her actions show manipulation and insincerity. She seems unwilling to move forward, rejecting any newer educational approaches in favor of “drill and kill” instruction. Another month passes with Wiersma achieving nothing of substance or value for the district, as well as witness reports of her violating board policy on school sites.
Trustee Emil Barham earned a B-, reflecting both his potential and his recent shortcomings. While capable of strong performance when focused, Barham too often lets personal disputes and board infighting distract him from meaningful progress. To realize his promise as an effective trustee, he must rise above the petty conflicts around him and re-center the board’s work on what truly matters—students and education.
The Sole Voice of Reason
Amid ongoing turmoil on the TVUSD Board, Trustee Steve Schwartz continues to be a steady hand and the board’s consistent voice of reason, earning him an A grade. He remains focused on students, sound governance, and the district’s long-term success, rising above the political infighting that has distracted others.
The October report card serves as a grim reminder that the TVUSD Board remains mired in conflict, prioritizing internal disputes over the urgent and critical work of running a school district. Until the trustees can move past the “storming” phase and refocus on the students they were elected to serve, the district will remain trapped in a cycle of dysfunction that undermines both progress and public trust.
To stay informed, learn about the next board meeting, today, November 18th. Keep an eye on which board members are putting items on the agenda that directly pertain to students, and are fiscally responsible. And which trustees continue to engage in culture wars, bickering and items that waste money with no benefit to students.
