Schools
Should PUSD Release Misconduct Records?
The Pasadena Unified School District has not provided info on teacher misconduct within their schools, even though the Star-News asked for these records over a month ago. Should the PUSD open their books?
Following a teacher’s alleged sexual abuse of students at Los Angeles Unified School District’s Miramonte Elementary School, the Pasadena Star-News requested records from the Pasadena Unified School District in February regarding teacher misconduct.
However, the PUSD has yet to release any information.
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In response, the PUSD asked for an extension to March 7 in providing the documents and written clarification of the types of documents requested.
But as of last Thursday, the Star-News hasn’t published any information released from the PUSD, and PUSD Board Member Ramon Miramontes urged district officials to release the requested information. Miramontes believes the PUSD needs to be more transparent and respond to requests from the press.
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From the Star-News:
Miramontes sees the press as playing a vital role in informing parents about the safety of their children when in school.
"I think the press plays an important in advocating and pressuring systems like school districts to be more transparent and forthcoming with issues related to children's safety," Miramontes said. "When we have information deemed for the public, are we making it accessible?"
PUSD wasn’t the only district queried. The Star-News sent letters to 27 other San Gabriel Valley school districts. Yet only two districts have responded with records.
The Star-News reports that many school officials are saying that the records would violate their employees’ privacy.
What do you think? Is the PUSD transparent enough? Should the PUSD release teacher misconduct records? Or does it violate privacy?