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Public commenters press Pasadena ISD on later start times and allege campus assault and mishandled police report
Summary
During public comment, an educator urged later middle/high school start times citing teen circadian rhythm and medical guidance; a parent and a former student supported later starts. Reverend Ellen Hernandez alleged a campus sexual assault of her child, claimed the PISD police falsified the police report and that the district attorney was not contacted; Superintendent Dr. Powell said he would investigate and that the police chief reports to him.
Several public commenters addressed student health and safety during the Aug. 27 public-comment period.
Yen Yen Rabay, an educator who identified herself as the Houston-area chapter leader of Start School Later, urged trustees to revisit middle- and high-school start times, citing teen circadian rhythms, recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC, and two states (Florida and California) that have laws restricting early start times for secondary schools. Rabay said teens need more sleep and raised concerns about heat- and activity-related fatigue during after-school practices.
Former student Edward Valdez described how JROTC helped him and said high-school sleep deprivation supports shifting start times to no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
Reverend Ellen Hernandez made a substantive allegation concerning campus safety: she said one of her twins was sexually assaulted on campus last year, that campus PISD police falsified the police report, and that the district attorney was not contacted. She said she had spent nine months seeking records and only recently obtained a copy of the report. Hernandez asked who the PISD police chief reports to and what accountability steps will be taken. The superintendent, Dr. Powell, responded that he had not previously heard from her, said his staff (including Miss Jordan) received her email and that he would look into the matter; he stated that the police chief reports to the superintendent and that he would contact her.
The board did not take action on these public comments during the meeting. Trustees and staff noted the superintendent—s commitment to follow up with the commenter.
What to watch: The superintendent's follow-up to Reverend Hernandez's allegations and any additional reporting or official documentation the family receives; potential policy or procedure reviews if the district identifies deficiencies in reporting or recordkeeping.
