Parents and community speakers call for external probe and leave for superintendent after lawsuit allegations

Multiple public commenters asked the Carmel Unified School District Board of Education to place Superintendent Sharon Ofek on administrative leave and to hire an independent third-party investigator after a $1 million civil lawsuit filed by former River School principal Alberto Ramirez was made public.

Speakers in the meeting's public-comment period summarized allegations in the Ramirez complaint as including retaliation for raising student-safety concerns, claims of racial discrimination and alleged inappropriate comments attributed in the complaint. One public commenter read parts of the complaint and asked the board to "immediately place superintendent Sharon Ofek on administrative leave and hire a neutral third party to investigate." Another public commenter said lawsuits and settlements related to personnel and harassment claims have eroded community trust and urged stronger oversight.

Speakers also cited other unresolved personnel matters and past findings, including a U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights finding (referenced by a speaker) regarding antisemetic harassment at Carmel High School, and asked the board to present a clear plan to the public and to protect staff who raise concerns.

Board members did not announce an outcome of the public requests during open session. The board adjourned to closed session on litigation, personnel and real-property matters as posted on the agenda. After closed session the board reported only that it "met with district staff and legal counsel and provided direction" on the listed items; no administrative leave action was announced in open session.