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Schools

Parents of Autistic Child Seek Investigation of PUSD

Tony and Mary Brandenburg of Sierra Madre allege that a PUSD board member violated policy and are requesting an external investigation.

Tony and Mary Brandenburg, parents of an 8-year-old autistic child at Sierra Madre School, have requested an investigation by an external organization over whether the Pasadena Unified School District and Board of Education violated policy.

The Brandenburgs made a formal request for their investigation before the Board of Education at last week’s public meeting. Any member of the public is permitted to put an item on the Board of Ed’s agenda.

The Brandenburgs are alleging PUSD and staff violated policy in a number of ways, including the following:

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  • That behavioral reports filed regarding their son did not follow district protocol
  • That PUSD employees knowingly altered records, created false documents and made false statements relating to their son
  • That PUSD staff withheld, and are still withholding, public documents about their son
  • That a board member discussed confidential business relating to their son outside of an official board meeting
  • That a board member actively planned and participated in a meeting with a group of Sierra Madre School parents regarding their son. The Brandenburgs allege that this falls outside of the Board’s duties.
  • The PUSD made significant changes to their son’s educational program without their consent

Board of Ed Vice President Edward Honowitz maintains that he did not violate protocol.

“Every action that I took was certainly in accordance with ensuring the confidentially that all parents are accorded under law and was appropriate in relation to the issues that were at the school site,” said Honowitz.

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Honowitz said that he can not respond specifically to the Brandenburgs case because of confidentiality issues that board members are required to follow.

“They have a right to say whatever they want to say… it’s their opinion of what is happening,” said Honowitz.

Renatta Cooper, president of the Board of Ed, indicated that the board will discuss the Brandenburg’s request at their next meeting.

The board can decide to move forward with an investigation, reject the request or table it for a future meeting.

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