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Parents accuse PE teacher of repeated bullying and urge district to remove him
Summary
At Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary's board meeting, public commenters alleged repeated emotional and physical bullying by PE teacher Doug Costa and urged the board not to renew his contract, citing unaddressed complaints and safety concerns for students.
A public commenter identified herself as Crystal and told the board that PE teacher Doug Costa "had the opportunity to be a hero to our kids... Instead, he has chosen to be a monster" and described repeated verbal and physical conduct she said had harmed students. She urged the board to remove the teacher from campus and not renew his contract.
Another parent, who introduced himself later as Chris Martin, backed the complaints and said the incidents had caused children to come home upset and fearful. "If you're gonna pay two people to do one person's job, let him go home and sit home and get paid and don't renew his contract," Chris Martin said, urging administrators to act while the district investigates.
Board members listened during the public-comment portion; staff responses recorded in the meeting indicated parents had raised concerns to school and district administrators previously. The board did not take an on-the-spot personnel vote and reminded commenters that personnel matters are constrained by law and by the board's ability to comment during public comment periods. The board agreed public correspondence would be part of the record and that concerns could be referred to administration for follow-up.
