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Community member alleges prolonged investigations and retaliation; multiple legal claims mention district administrator
Summary
A commenter told the board she has pursued multiple legal actions involving Tacoma Public Schools and alleged prolonged investigations, delayed records and retaliation connected to administrator Ariel Becker.
Tamar Brownell addressed the board during public comment with allegations about prolonged investigations, delayed public records and ongoing legal claims involving the district and an identified administrator.
Brownell said she has four active cases filed in Pierce County Superior Court that "each of them mention the same administrator, Ariel Becker," and she reported a pending Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) claim that "has accepted and is awaiting the district's response currently."
Why it matters: Brownell told the board she endured a two-and-a-half-year unsubstantiated investigation and that the final determination was not delivered to her; she said it was sent to her twin sister and that public records requests have been delayed by months. Brownell framed her remarks as an effort to pursue every available grievance and appeal process until the district addresses her concerns.
Detailed claims: Brownell said she filed a harassment, intimidation and bullying complaint in November 2023 that had not been investigated by the district. She described a prolonged investigation that she said the district claimed was closed in January 2024 but that she said continued through April 2025 without a final determination provided to her.
Board response and next steps: The transcript records Brownell's public comments; there is no recorded board action on her complaints during the meeting. She said she will continue to pursue legal avenues and public records to press her claims.
Ending: Brownell concluded by saying she will exhaust the available grievance and appeal processes and seek legal representation to pursue the matters she raised publicly before the board.
