Lopez first called on the district to diversify its leadership from administrators to principals and vice principals last month in an email to Sarver, saying he has "grave concerns regarding the current relationship" between the district and East Palo Alto. Sarver responded by saying that Lopez's "comments strike directly to the heart of the most critical issue facing the Sequoia" district and its community, and "further illuminate the greatest challenge district leadership has had on our front burner throughout my 11-year tenure on the board." Sarver and Interim Superintendent Crystal Leach met with Lopez last week to listen to his position and share some of the work the school district has accomplished through staff's equity and diversity grassroots efforts, Sarver said in a Feb. 9 email. These initiatives include creating an equity and diversity position to lead districtwide initiatives; equity and diversity leadership workshops for trustees; introduction of an ethnic studies course; and developing an equity and diversity advisory leadership council to the superintendent.