Community speakers urge Mt. Diablo board to support teacher placed on leave

Public comment at the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board meeting on Sept. 11 included a sustained series of speakers urging the board to consider support or reinstatement for Doug Scott, a long-time district teacher who said he has been on paid administrative leave after refusing to alter a students grade.

"I was pressured to change a grade and didn't," Doug Scott said, identifying himself and describing being placed on administrative leave. He said his disability had sometimes complicated his workplace experiences and asked the board to consider alternatives to discipline and to provide support so he could continue teaching. Scott also described a planned Veterans Day classroom speaker who he said would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students.

Former students and colleagues spoke in turn to vouch for Scotts teaching and character. Patrick Stokes and other speakers described Scott as a passionate instructor who "refused to change a grade when it was demanded," and said they had signed a petition supporting his reinstatement; a speaker reported about 85 signatures from the region. Speakers asked the board to investigate the districts handling of the matter and to ensure employees with disabilities receive appropriate support.

The board did not take immediate public action on the complaint during the meeting; presenters and trustees thanked commentators for their remarks. Any formal personnel action would occur in closed session or through the districts personnel processes, and the public record on whether staff will be reinstated or disciplined remains unresolved.