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Public commenters criticize teacher social‑media post and DASA handling; board limits personnel discussion and debates union transparency
Summary
Multiple public speakers raised concerns about a teacher's social‑media post, requests for DASA reports and FOIL records, and alleged unequal application of discipline; the district declined to discuss personnel matters on the record, and trustees exchanged remarks about union representation, a flag-lowering and a moment of silence controversy.
Several members of the public used the district’s public‑comment period to criticize a teacher’s social‑media post and to question how the district investigates staff conduct and responds to DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) complaints and FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) requests.
One speaker, James Edmonds, identified himself as a longtime district resident and donor who described a social‑media post by a district employee that he said was “very disturbing.” The district president and other officials repeatedly said they could not discuss personnel matters publicly. Board President Marisol Malin told Edmonds, “I cannot discuss personnel matters,” after Edmonds requested the board’s position on the social‑media posting.
Other public commenters accused the board and administration of inconsistent investigations and of wrongly labeling complaint findings as “unfounded” rather than “unsubstantiated.” A commenter urged release of an unredacted DASA report and said a lawsuit was possible if the district refused to provide records; the speaker also alleged improper reinstatements of paid days for former employees and accused the board of favoritism. The board did not release personnel records at the meeting.
Trustees addressed related issues during board reports. Trustee Jacqueline DeLorenzo read a statement clarifying that the district and the Board of Education are not affiliated with the teachers’ union (Kanekquot Teachers Association) and that unions independently determine representation and stipends. She said the district does not appoint or fund union leadership.
Trustee Melissa Toragressa defended the board’s earlier lowering of flags and a moment of silence, saying the flag lowering followed a presidential proclamation and that she "will never ever apologize" for lowering flags or observing a moment of silence for the event in question. Toragressa also said she had been “caught off guard” by the situation and expressed regret for being unprepared; she said her remarks at a prior meeting had been misrepresented.
Trustee Garza publicly apologized for a previous “poor choice of wording,” saying there was no ill will intended and that he had apologized to a colleague in the moment. The board later moved into executive session for a private meeting with the district attorney.
No personnel actions or disclosures were made in public; the district said personnel matters and ongoing investigations are not appropriate for discussion in open session.
