San Marino School District dismisses case against employee amid allegations and privacy concerns

The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2025, was marked by significant discussions surrounding personnel matters and legal implications. A key highlight was the dismissal of a petition for a restraining order against an employee, Mr. Turner, with no evidence of wrongdoing reported during his time on campus. The board emphasized that the district is legally prohibited from taking action against employees without a conviction for serious or violent felonies, reinforcing the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."

During the meeting, it was revealed that a temporary restraining order against Mr. Turner had been dismissed, and all related orders were dissolved. The board clarified that the allegations against him stemmed from a domestic dispute with an ex-girlfriend, which had no bearing on his professional conduct at the school. The district's legal counsel advised that terminating Mr. Turner based on unproven allegations could expose the district to lawsuits.

In a related incident, a staff member, Mrs. Escamilla, distributed confidential packets containing sensitive information about Mr. Turner during a classroom observation. The board took immediate action by instructing staff to dispose of the packets to mitigate potential liability and protect the employee's privacy rights. The board's decision to inform staff about the situation was deemed necessary to prevent further complications and uphold the integrity of the district.

This meeting underscored the district's commitment to legal compliance and employee rights, while also highlighting the complexities involved in handling sensitive personnel issues. The board's proactive measures aim to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both students and staff.