Parents demand transparency after alleged abuse at Sunset preschool; district says staff placed on leave, investigation ongoing

A parent and multiple community members pressed the San Ysidro School District on alleged abuse at Sunset Preschool and on the district’s handling of notifications and safety measures. On Jan. 15, 2025, a Sunset preschool instructional aide was arrested after forensic testing “confirmed evidence inside that child’s garment,” according to parent Roxanne Palastino during public comment. Palastino said Community Care Licensing found the incident to be a “type 8 violation,” and she said parents were not notified for eight months.

Why it matters: Parents said delayed notification and limited public detail erode trust and put children at risk; speakers urged the board to install cameras in common areas, change “safe campus” policies that they say shield staff from accountability, and adopt real‑time parent notification procedures.

District response and actions: Superintendent Dr. Potter told the board that, “upon notification of the parent concern, the district immediately placed the individual on administrative leave, pending an investigation.” Potter said law enforcement conducted an investigation that “only recently was concluded,” and that the district is “fully cooperating with law enforcement” and that “termination proceedings are underway.” Potter also said district safety protocols include fingerprint and background checks for all employees and mandated trainings.

Discussion: Speakers at public comment described a history of parents learning about serious incidents long after they occurred and asked for systemic changes, including working cameras in entrances, hallways, playgrounds and restrooms (not inside classrooms), stronger parent notification rules, and reversal or revision of the district’s “safe campus” policy, which several commenters said has reduced transparency. A community watchdog asked the board to create a public database categorizing any reported staff misconduct by type and to publish trend lines.

What the board recorded: The board heard the public comments and heard the superintendent’s statement about administrative leave, police investigation and termination proceedings. No additional board action or vote related to camera installation, policy change, or public posting requirements was recorded in the meeting minutes or the transcript excerpt provided.

What remains unresolved: Commenters demanded immediate policy changes — real‑time parent notification, working cameras in common areas, and reversal of portions of the “safe campus” policy — but the transcript shows only public requests and the district’s description of investigatory steps. The timeline between the incident and parent notification, and whether the district met all legal reporting obligations under Community Care Licensing and other applicable rules, were raised by commenters but are not resolved in the record presented.

Community context: Multiple parents and community advocates — including speakers who said they represent parents or unions — framed the item as part of broader concerns about district transparency and accountability. The discussion occurred during the public comment portion of the meeting and later during superintendent remarks summarizing the district’s response.