Parents, colleagues urge Forest Hills board to spare Ada Vista teacher Alexis Bergau

Multiple parents, colleagues and former aides used the public‑comment period at the June 23 Forest Hills board meeting to urge the board not to terminate Ada Vista teacher Alexis Bergau.

Janine Axelrod, a 20‑year Forest Hills special educator, said the district "hires amazing teachers" and described Bergau's work with Spanish‑speaking students and after‑school activities. Laura Rico, a current instructional care professional who previously served as an aide at Ada Vista, called Bergau "one of the best teachers" she has worked with and praised the teacher’s rapport and communication with families. Several other speakers recounted classroom examples, daily communications from Bergau to families, and the negative impact on children when a trusted teacher is removed.

Ethan Tatum, whose son was in Bergau's class and whom he described as one of the students involved in the incident under review, said: "You have been nothing short of a miracle for Roman," and asked the board to consider a path that would allow Bergau to return. Supporters emphasized Bergau's long record in the district, her work running Spanish plays and other extracurriculars, and the view that district supports for challenging student behavior were insufficient in some cases.

Speakers did not dispute that a serious incident occurred in March; rather, they urged the board to weigh context, prior performance and possible corrective or rehabilitative steps before endorsing termination. The board recorded the public comments and indicated appropriate district staff would follow up with individuals who requested additional contact.