Numerous members of the community and school staff addressed the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board during the Dec. 11 public‑comment period, urging the board to reconsider disciplinary actions affecting a campus security lead identified in public remarks as Sheldon Dear.

Commenters—including family members, staff, and community advocates—described the hearing process as unfair to the employee and alleged retaliatory behavior by district administrators. One speaker said the Dear family was “bullied” during the termination process and called the hearing “not professional” (SEG 1232–1244, SEG 1443–1460). Another commenter alleged that administrators discouraged police involvement after a reported weapon incident and that staff concerns had been ignored, saying, “If you terminate Sheldon, you tell this community that safety is a slogan, not a priority,” and urging the board to reject termination and launch an independent investigation (SEG 1400–1426, SEG 1428–1430).

Other public speakers raised separate concerns about transparency and procurement for a security upgrade at Hale Elementary, alleged lack of responsiveness from district legal staff, and asked whether gay pride flags remained on classroom display — questions flagged for the board to answer (SEG 1313–1324, SEG 1326). Several staff members and parents echoed support for the security lead’s contributions to student safety and asked the board to weigh student safety and community trust in any personnel decision (SEG 1336–1356, SEG 1425–1429).

Board members listened to the comments during the call‑to‑the‑public period; the meeting record shows no board action or vote on this particular personnel matter at this meeting. The concerns expressed called attention to district due process and hearing procedures; several speakers requested a board‑level review or independent investigation. The board subsequently proceeded with agenda items including personnel approvals and other actions; no formal response from the board that night resolved the allegations presented by public commenters.