Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Rialto Unified for transparency, independent review and special‑education follow-up
Summary
During public comment at the Dec. 18 Rialto Unified board meeting, multiple speakers urged an independent investigation into alleged conflicts, raised safety and underreporting concerns, and requested release and follow-up on a special education audit.
A large portion of the Rialto Unified School District board meeting on Dec. 18 was taken up by public comment centered on accountability, safety and special education.
Attorney and resident Timothy Prince told the board the district faces the "appearance of corruption," saying "a large sum of money was paid by the superintendent to a board member." Prince urged independent review rather than internal handling of such claims. Other commenters, including representatives of LULAC and community advocates, described underreporting of disciplinary incidents, gaps in support for students with special needs and asked the district to make the special education audit available to the public.
Acting Superintendent Edward D'Souza responded on several fronts during the meeting and staff told trustees the special‑education audit would be posted on the district website as soon as possible. Board members urged written documentation and recommended referring any formal allegations to the appropriate committees and, where necessary, to outside investigators. Several union and community speakers asked the board to prioritize students while the district resolves personnel and process questions.
What was not decided: The board did not initiate an internal or outside investigation at the meeting; public commenters requested records and independent review but no formal board referral was made in open session.
The board did take separate actions across the agenda on contracts, budget and programs, which some speakers said should not distract from resolving accountability concerns.
