Leaked emails shed light on why the GUHSD Trustees re-hired a district employee who previously resigned during a misconduct investigation.
May 8, 2025 —
News outlet Voice of San Diego has published a new article that details the controversial hiring of former Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) teacher Jerry Hobbs for the district’s “Chief of Staff” position.
Voice of San Diego education reporter Jacob McWhinney spoke with Hobbs for this story and shares details from a series of leaked emails between Hobbs and his previous employer: law firm JW Howard Attorneys.
The article raises concerns about Hobb’s conflict of interest as he drafted his own settlement with GUHSD—while being employed at a law firm that also had GUHSD as a client.
As McWhinney writes:
Seven years ago, Jerry Hobbs, a Grossmont Union High School District teacher, resigned after officials launched an investigation into allegations he’d engaged in misconduct.
Years later, Hobbs was hired as a paralegal for a law firm that ended up doing work for the district. That work included conducting an investigation into Hobbs’ former boss, the person who launched an investigation into him. Hobbs worked on that investigation, which concluded he’d been a victim of retaliation.
A settlement agreement he helped draft then cleared the way for his rehiring at Grossmont – and district officials wasted no time. They hired him the month after the agreement to serve in a lofty administrative role, even as the district’s deteriorating financial position led to job cuts.
Take Action: Hold Grossmont Trustees Accountable!
There are addition concerns about Hobbs and the relationship between the law firm JW Howard Attorneys and the GUHSD Trustees. This article outlines campaign donations from law firm owner John W. Howard to Trustees Kelly, Shield, Woods, and Eckert. This article lays out Hobbs’ re-hiring process, which required the Trustees to waive Board bylaws.
The decisions made by the Grossmont Union High School District Trustees impact our schools, students, and community. If you believe transparency and accountability are essential, now is the time to speak up!
Write to the Trustees – Demand answers and advocate for ethical leadership. Here’s how to reach district leadership via email:
- Gary C. Woods, Trustee, Governing Board President —boardmemberwoods@gmail.com
- Jim Kelly, Trustee — jameskelly@allstate.com
- Scott Eckert, Trustee —seckert@guhsd.net
- Robert Shield, Trustee — robshield@hotmail.com
- Sandra Huezo, Superintendent — shuezo@guhsd.net
Spread Awareness – Share information with neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. East County voters need to know that GUHSD Trustees Jim Kelly, Robert Shield, Gary C. Woods, and Scott Eckert are failing our students. You can also follow the #saveGUHSD tag on social media.
Recalling a board member is a community effort. Your support makes a difference.
Recall the Trustees 