Teacher resigns citing toxic workplace; parent urges action, theater tech urges lighting upgrades

During the public comment period, three people made distinct appeals to the board.

Lindsay Yu, a fourth-grade teacher at Falcon Academy, told trustees she had reported what she described as a toxic work environment involving harassment, discrimination and intimidation. Yu said her reputation had been “greatly slandered” and that she would resign "effective immediately due to it affecting my mental health and well-being," adding she would submit a formal resignation letter with further details.

Rich Amparo, a parent and PTO vice president, spoke in support of Principal Jeannie Kim and said a subset of teachers at Falcon had worked to undermine the principal through harassment, disruptive behavior at site council meetings and resistance to schoolwide goals. Amparo urged district leadership to identify and address those individuals, establish clearer expectations for professional communication, and encourage greater teacher participation in school programs. He said the conduct had taken a toll on staff and students and asked the district to act.

Annie Strobel, the new theater technician at Brea Linda High School and a former student of the district, said the school's stage lighting equipment is old, becomes dangerously hot and lacks spare fixtures; she said safety concerns have limited student access to hands-on lighting instruction. Strobel asked the board to fund an LED lighting system upgrade so students could safely learn technical theater skills. That request preceded board approval of a contract with Apollo Electric later in the meeting.

The board did not take action on the personnel allegations during public comment. Trustees thanked speakers for raising concerns and noted staff would follow up where appropriate.