Parents, teachers and students press Chandler Unified on allegations and student safety; many speakers defend assistant principal

Thirty-one speakers addressed the governing board during the public-comment period on Feb. 12, 2025, focusing on allegations connected to Castile High School and related concerns about grooming and student safety across the district. Commenters urged new or expanded training, clearer reporting procedures, and both support for victims and fair treatment for staff under investigation.

Many speakers defended Assistant Principal Shalomay Woodworth by name, saying the administrator is a mentor and advocate for students. "Miss Woodworth is more than an assistant principal... she invests in students," student Tessa Chadwick said, recounting Woodworth’s role in planning events and supporting students. Castile counselor Jenna Sheer described a 2021 investigation in which Woodworth assisted with student interviews and later stepped away; Sheer said Woodworth now faces a possible one-year license suspension and asked the board to consider how disciplining staff who follow direction affects the profession.

Other public commenters pressed the board to act on allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct raised in recent proceedings. "This is an urgent issue affecting schools across the valley and the nation," community member Lisa Alger said, urging grooming-awareness training and a town hall with legal and parent representatives. Bridget Vega and others similarly asked the district to implement staff training on identifying and preventing grooming and to collaborate with the State Board recommendations discussed at a recent PPAC hearing.

Speakers described a range of perspectives: several parents and long-time teachers warned that public allegations and social-media attacks are driving experienced educators out of the district, while others—some identifying themselves as victims or advocates—asked for stronger prevention and reporting policies. A teacher reading an anonymous student statement recounted a case in which the student said Woodworth intervened during a mental-health crisis and ensured the student got help.

Board President Serrano told speakers that, under state open-meeting law, board members cannot engage in extended discussion or take legal action on items not on the agenda during the public-comment period. Serrano said the comments were heard and promised to work with district staff to "review these critical matters holistically and fully," including policies, procedures and communication, and noted mandatory reporting and annual training already embedded in staff training.

No formal action was taken or announced during the meeting; the board said it would follow up through the appropriate administrative channels and investigate possible policy or training changes. Several speakers asked explicitly for a district-run town hall, specialized grooming training for staff, and clearer communication about investigative processes and timelines.