Parents and staff press Coachella Valley Unified on safety after alleged Seaview threat

Several parents and district employees told the Coachella Valley Unified School District board on Nov. 13 that they are alarmed by what they described as recurring safety and discipline problems at Seaview Elementary, including an incident they say involved a student threatening to bring a gun to school.

"Last Thursday, it was reported that a student made a threat to bring a gun to school," parent Samantha Shroyer told the board, adding that multiple students heard the comment and that the principal had characterized it as a rumor. "This situation deserves to be taken very seriously to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of everyone on campus."

Abby Sanchez, a parent and district substitute teacher, described a pattern of behavior she says went unaddressed: repeated physical attacks on her son, a student who she says was later threatened again after suspension, and what she said was an incorrect complaint-line phone number on the district website. Sanchez cited education-code references presented during her remarks and urged the district to follow legal safety-plan and supervision requirements.

"Threats, violence, and repeated harassment fall under education code 4 8 900, which requires documented responses and appropriate action, not dismissal or inaction," Sanchez said.

District Superintendent Dr. Francis Esparza told the board that district staff contacted law enforcement when the incident was reported and that officers checked the home and "stated that it was not credible and may have been a rumour." Esparza said law enforcement and district safety staff were present at the school as a precaution and offered to meet with parents and staff who came to the meeting.

Multiple speakers reiterated concerns that Seaview families and staff feel overlooked. Parent Marisol Juarez, representing several families, said teachers have reported choking, locking students in bathrooms and other aggressive behavior by the same child and called the district to revise discipline protocols and give principals greater authority to impose firmer consequences.

District staff and trustees acknowledged the community's distress and said they would follow up. Trustee Calimanas and Trustee Garcia asked for more detailed information from staff, and the superintendent offered to schedule a meeting with the parents who attended to hear specifics and coordinate next steps.

What's next: The superintendent asked parents to provide contact information so staff can schedule a follow-up meeting; the board requested additional information and clarification about communications and disciplinary responses while noting limits on what can be shared publicly about minors.