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Multiple parents accuse Forest Brook Middle administrators of harassment; board urged to investigate
Summary
Several parents and former students told the board March 24 they believe administrators at Forest Brook Middle School targeted and emotionally harmed students, with claims of coerced statements, lack of district response and requests for leadership changes.
Multiple parents and community members used the board’s public‑comment period March 24 to allege repeated administrative misconduct at Forest Brook Middle School and to call for a district investigation and leadership changes.
Why it matters: The speakers described emotional harm to students, requests the board investigate district‑level handling of complaints and called for personnel action or reassignment at the school. Board policy requires the superintendent to respond to public‑comment concerns after the meeting.
What speakers said
- Cassandra Santacrochi said her 15‑year‑old son, who has an IEP and ADHD, experienced escalating anxiety and depression at Forest Brook that led to homebound instruction. She said administrators’ actions caused “emotional and psychological harm” and that she retained documentation and videos of her son’s distress.
- Edward Padell and other parents said the pattern of alleged mistreatment has continued for years and accused school and district administrators of covering up complaints. Padell asked the board to “listen and hear us” and requested a change in administration at Forest Brook.
- Multiple parents described administrators coercing students to write statements or revising witness statements; several said district‑level outreach had not resolved their concerns.
Board response and process notes
Chairman David Cox reminded speakers that the board will not respond at the meeting but that he would direct the superintendent to follow up within two weeks, consistent with the public‑comment rules the board read at the start of the meeting. Several board members acknowledged receipt of materials from parents and suggested the district will review the complaints.
What the board did not do
No formal investigation outcome or personnel action was announced at the March 24 meeting. Several parents asked the board to replace school administrators; the board did not take immediate personnel votes during the public session.
Ending
The parents asked the board to act and the superintendent was directed to follow up per the board’s public comment procedure; parents said they would continue to press for accountability. The board did not announce specific next steps publicly beyond the superintendent’s follow‑up commitment.
