Parents, colleagues defend Beacon Hill educator under investigation

At the Dec. 10 Seattle Public Schools board meeting, a string of parents, former students and education professionals urged the board to reconsider any termination of Beacon Hill International School educator Romel Bradford and to investigate possible bias in the district’s review.

"Romel has been by far the most influential and positive educator in both of our children's lives," said Lisa Carido, a parent who described Romel's supportive response when her family faced a serious medical crisis.

Several speakers said letters that triggered the district's investigation reflected care and culturally responsive teaching, not misconduct. Christopher Fontana, who has provided professional development for hundreds of SPS educators, called the complaints “born out of racist anti‑Black sentiment” and asked the board to step in to prevent what he called a “character assassination” of an exemplary Black male educator.

Supporters said a significant number of parents have signed in support of Bradford and asked the district to pursue coaching and remediation rather than termination. Stefano Mazzilli, a parent, urged the board to weigh evidence, note that supervisors had not reported safety concerns, and consider whether the complaints stem from anti‑Black bias.

Board members did not take immediate disciplinary action at the meeting. The public testimony period closed and the board proceeded with consent business. Several speakers asked the district’s HR and legal teams to ensure a transparent review and to consider racial equity impacts in any personnel decision.

What’s next: The record shows the investigation is ongoing; speakers asked for board oversight and transparency.