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Parents and community members press Simi Valley Unified over alleged staff misconduct and safety handling
Summary
Multiple public commenters at the board meeting urged the district to address alleged boundary violations, retaliation and failures of follow-up related to a high-school cheer program and student safety; callers said a formal investigation substantiated many earlier concerns and called for transparency, mandated-reporting alignment and accountability.
Multiple parents urged the board to take stronger action after what they described as repeated safety and boundary concerns tied to a high-school extracurricular program.
"These behaviors are non-ambiguous. They're red flags that trigger mandated reporter responsibilities and require immediate serious action," public commenter Shannon Bradley said, urging the board to prioritize student safety over protecting staff or the district. Bradley said families reported staff "tracking students, inviting them to their home, and asking them to sleep over," and alleged evidence had been dismissed or destroyed.
Michelle Shimp, a parent who addressed the board, referred to an April public comment and a May 4 investigation she said substantiated the majority of concerns about the Royal High cheer program, including financial violations and a "decisive, divisive and intimidating" environment. "The district found there were indeed financial violations," she said, and added that follow-up since the investigation had been insufficient for families who continued to raise issues.
During the public hearing portion, Jennifer Jones said she had been contacted by members of the community and described additional concerning behaviors by a coach at Royal High, including confiscation of phones and alleged tracking of students. Jones said she plans to return to the board to follow up on these concerns.
Board members thanked speakers for bringing detailed accounts to the public record and did not take immediate disciplinary action during the meeting. Trustees and district staff reiterated that investigations and personnel matters may involve confidential processes; speakers asked the board for clearer, transparent follow-up with affected families and for mandated-reporting to be honored.
