Fallbrook speakers press board over athletic-department allegations; trustees agree to consider an athletics committee

Speakers at the May 14 Fallbrook Union High School District board meeting pressed trustees to explain how the district will protect coaches and students after recent reports about the high school athletic program, and many urged the board to investigate allegations affecting Athletic Director Patrick (Pat) Walker.

Public commenters described confusion and a lack of communication from the district. “It makes me sick to to think that this school is doing nothing to protect a guy like Pat Walker who's been here for 18 years,” said a resident who identified himself as a parent and described events he said had left coaches and students in limbo during recent controversies.

Several additional speakers voiced support for Walker and asked the board to examine whether the district conducted adequate fact-finding before public disclosures. Alan Saltimaccio, who identified himself as a former Fallbrook High School teacher of 29 years, told trustees: “He's a man of character. He's a man of integrity,” and asked the board to “please investigate, be curious, look at the situation as deeply as possible.” Former and current coaches also described Walker as deeply involved in student supervision and said they had not been contacted with updates about coaching or teaching positions.

Other public comments raised separate concerns. Janette Baragan (appearing as Janette Barakan in the record) urged “a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations” and asked the district to address reports of hazing on the varsity baseball team and possible conflicts of interest where personnel hold dual roles.

Board members repeatedly told speakers they could not answer or discuss pending personnel matters during public comment. As the meeting’s president explained at the start of public comment: the board does not respond to specific allegations in the public-comment period, and legal or personnel constraints limit what trustees may say in an open meeting.

Following public comment, Trustee Oscar Caralampio proposed forming a district athletic committee to develop a mission statement and shared “pillars of success” for the athletic department, a proposal trustees agreed to return as a formal action item. Caralampio described the committee as “a collaborative group composed of students, parents, teachers, coaches, and staff members,” and trustees discussed whether student-athlete leaders already organizing (the student athlete advisory body) could be part of any new committee.

Board members said a return agenda item would set membership, scope and a schedule for committee work. Several trustees indicated they would support having one or two board members participate if the board approves the committee at a future meeting.

What happened next: the board did not take immediate disciplinary or investigatory votes during the meeting. Trustees directed that the proposal to form a district athletic committee be brought back as an action item for a future meeting, so the governing body can consider formal membership, scope and next steps.

Why it matters: public trust and safety concerns about athletic programs involve students, staff and parents; the district’s next public actions will determine whether the community receives a formal independent review or oversight structure.

Looking ahead: the board scheduled the next regular meeting for June 11, 2025, when the committee proposal could appear as an action item and the board may clarify next steps or oversight measures.