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Parents tell San Juan Unified board they fear for children’s safety in Pershing Elementary kindergarten
Summary
Multiple parents urged the board to remove a Pershing Elementary kindergarten teacher after alleging physical and verbal abuse; parents said prior administrative leave and lack of district response prompted the board appeal, and the board noted it cannot comment on non‑agendized personnel matters under the Brown Act.
Several parents addressed the San Juan Unified board on Thursday to report what they described as serious safety and conduct problems in a Pershing Elementary kindergarten classroom.
Parent Nathaniel Haven told trustees he and others have observed or been told about incidents ranging from pushing to a teacher loudly shouting "shut up," which he said has harmed students' behavior and well‑being. He said the teacher in question was placed on administrative leave in January and that behavior and monitoring improved during that leave, but that the teacher subsequently returned and old problems reappeared. "I'm very anxious about the well‑being of my daughter's classmates," Haven said, asking the board to take action to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
Another parent, Dream Gustafson, asked the board to remove the teacher from the kindergarten classroom and to ensure transparency around hiring and oversight so that incoming kindergarten classes are not affected. Both speakers said they had contacted the principal and the superintendent without satisfactory follow‑up.
Board President Tanya Krawcheck reminded speakers that under the Ralph M. Brown Act the board may not discuss non‑agendized personnel matters at public meetings but said the superintendent could refer the matter to staff for follow‑up. Trustees acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and asked staff to pursue appropriate follow‑up through administrative channels.
