Nutrition services worker alleges harassment; board pulls her non-renewal for investigation

Sari Rodriguez, who identified herself during public comment as an administrative assistant in the district’s nutrition services department, told the Tolleson Union High School District governing board she faces termination and alleged a pattern of harassment, retaliation and a “toxic work environment” under her department director.

“Over the past six months, I experienced ongoing bullying and harassment that made it extremely difficult to perform my job,” Rodriguez said during the public comment period, telling the board she submitted resignation letters and reports from colleagues who had left for the same reasons.

President Chapman and other board members said the district would follow up. Chapman asked administration to “thoroughly investigate” the allegations and report back to the board. Member Son moved to pull Rodriguez’s non-renewal from the personnel list so the matter could be investigated further; the motion passed by roll call.

Board policy limits public discussion of personnel matters; during the consent agenda debate members cautioned that individual employment decisions can only be discussed in executive session unless the employee waives confidentiality. The motion to pull the name means the board will not act on that specific non-renewal at this meeting and requested additional information from administration.

Union leaders and other public commenters who spoke earlier in the meeting urged continued support for staff and cited override funding that, they said, helps retain and train teachers. The board did not resolve any personnel actions publicly at the meeting; next steps will depend on the investigation and any subsequent executive-session deliberations.

The board’s action to remove the non-renewal from the consent list was recorded in the meeting minutes; members who voted in favor said the move was intended to ensure the employee’s concerns are fully reviewed before final action.