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Teachers union urges El Monte board to make comprehensive safety a priority; community group seeks field access
Summary
A representative of the El Monte Elementary Teachers Association urged the board to prioritize comprehensive safety measures in the strategic plan, citing staff survey results on disruptive behavior and harassment; community representatives requested renewed access to district athletic fields and a working relationship for permits.
During the public-comment portion of the June 23 board meeting, Pedro Galindo, speaking on behalf of the El Monte Elementary Teachers Association, told the board the association supports much of the strategic plan but urged the board to treat school safety as a top priority.
Galindo said EMETA surveyed members at 16 sites and heard concerns about unsafe working conditions for staff and students. Citing the California School Staff Survey, he said 89% of respondents reported disruptive student behavior as a problem, 75% reported harassment and bullying, and only 38% strongly agreed their school is a safe place for staff. He asked the board for more inclusivity of union leadership in decisions that affect members.
Following that comment, representatives introduced as Edgar and Jose Miranda described decades of volunteer stewardship of local athletic fields and requested renewed opportunities to use district facilities. They asked the district to re-establish a relationship for permitting and programming.
Board president thanked both commenters and reiterated that the public-comment period is for the board to listen and not to respond during the meeting. The concerns raised about safety and facility access were acknowledged for later consideration.
