Community demands accountability after DOJ settlement; union declares no confidence

Multiple community members and survivors used the meeting’s public‑comment period to demand accountability from district leadership following recent disclosures and a Department of Justice settlement. Irma Zamirano said she was "furious" and "absolutely outraged at the failure of this board and superintendent," and called for resignations, alleging long‑running failures to protect students.

Several speakers recounted allegations and urged the board to act. Cynthia Amezquah, a district alumna and former advisee, said the district has "done nothing to help" survivors and criticized confidentiality around prior disciplinary records. Legal and community advocates in the audience urged forums for community healing and transparent reporting. One speaker asked, "Who failed to report? Who chose to stay quiet?" — a refrain repeated during multiple comments.

The El Monte Union Educators Association (EMUEA) addressed the board immediately after public comment and declared "no confidence in the current district administration," urging meaningful reforms, strengthened reporting and accountability systems, and specifically calling on Superintendent Dr. Zuniga to resign. EMUEA said the California Department of Justice findings documented patterns of neglect, concealment of credible allegations and governance failures and urged the district to prioritize student safety in any reforms.

Board members listened but did not take action during the public‑comment period; the board later agreed to place a closed‑session item for discussion of public‑employee discipline/dismissal/release of the superintendent on a future regular agenda (May 6) after trustees discussed procedural steps and legal counsel explained how a special meeting could be called by three members.