El Monte Union High trustees vote 3–2 to censure trustee Ricardo Padilla; credit-card privileges suspended

The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees voted 3–2 Wednesday to adopt a resolution censuring Trustee Ricardo Padilla, suspending his district-issued credit card privileges through the end of his term and directing staff and legal counsel to refer the matter to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Board President Florencio Briones opened the item and presented six complaints against Padilla alleging repeated violations of board bylaws, misrepresentation of his authority at public meetings, false statements about his educational credentials and improper use of district funds. Briones told the board the packet of evidence included recordings, conference screenshots and receipts and asked that the board take formal action.

Padilla delivered a nearly hour-long rebuttal in which he called the resolution “a thinly veiled attempt” to silence his advocacy and defended his record as a 13‑year trustee and longtime educator. “This resolution is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by board members … to silence my advocacy and undermine my work as a trustee,” Padilla said in his remarks.

Trustees who voted in favor — Dr. Marita Galaviz, Dr. Luis Guzman and President Florencio Briones — said the documentation provided at the meeting was factual and sufficient to support censure. Dr. Guzman said he had reviewed the materials and did not find Padilla’s rebuttal persuasive: “I did not get any proof from him tonight,” he said, describing the board’s evidence as concrete.

Trustees Qui Nguyen and Padilla voted no. Nguyen repeatedly urged recognition of Padilla’s community service and characterized some allegations as bookkeeping shortfalls rather than deliberate misconduct. Student Trustee Ashley Yu, speaking before the vote, said the proceedings had left her and fellow students disappointed in the adults’ conduct.

The resolution (No. 12‑25‑26) adopted by the board includes: a formal censure; suspension of Padilla’s district credit‑card privileges until the end of his term; a requirement that any future reimbursements for travel and conferences be conditioned on full compliance with district travel policy; and a direction that staff and legal counsel refer alleged misappropriation to law enforcement for investigation. The motion carried by roll call vote and the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.