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JUST IN: LAPD investigates Esquith, lawyers ‘declare war’ on LAUSD
LA School Report has confirmed that an LAPD sex crimes unit has an open investigation of celebrated teacher Rafe Esquith involving allegations of “inappropriate touching.” Meanwhile, Esquith’s attorneys are striking back with threats of additional lawsuits and a “declaration of war against LAUSD.” One of Esquith’s attorneys, Ben Meisales, said, “This continued defamation by LAUSD...
By Mike Szymanski | August 14, 2015
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Most in LAUSD ‘jail’ facing charges of sexual misconduct, violence
Despite persistent concerns about teachers sexually harassing or abusing students in the classroom, only slightly more than a third of the teachers and other school personnel currently in LA Unified’s so-called “teacher jail” have been accused of sexual misconduct, according to the district’s latest accounting. Almost the same number are facing accusations of “violence.” As of...
By Mike Szymanski | July 17, 2015
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LAUSD unit investigating sexual abuse allegations hits 1 year mark
In the aftermath of the Miramonte Elementary sex abuse scandal, which has so far cost LA Unified roughly $170 million in settlements, was the creation of a special unit to handle all future sexual abuse allegations. The Student Safety Investigative Team passed its one-year anniversary of active investigations on Jan. 7, and to date has investigated...
By Craig Clough | January 30, 2015
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District Allocates Over $27 Million to 58 of the Miramonte Victims
LA Unified said today that more than $27 million has been allocated for 58 settlements with the parents of children who were suing the school district over allegations of sexual misconduct by teachers at Miramonte Elementary. That brings to 61 the number of financial settlements with two more awaiting final paperwork and 68 other cases...
By Hillel Aron | September 17, 2013
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LAUSD Launches Miramonte Settlement Countdown
Yesterday, LAUSD launched a website to notify the last 35 plaintiffs in the Miramonte case of the district’s settlement offer. The LA Daily News‘ Barbara Jones describes the website launch as “the latest salvo in what has become a public campaign by both the district and plaintiffs’ attorneys.” As the Los Angeles Times notes, the website “includes a sample...
By Hillel Aron | June 26, 2013
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Mixed Reactions to New Teacher Dismissal Bill
AB 375, a new bill meant to streamline teacher dismissals, could be headed for quick passage after clearing the State Assembly’s Education Committee with a 7 – 0 vote Thursday. The bill’s chance at passing is undoubtedly aided by the announcement last week that the state’s largest teachers union, the California Teachers Association, was joining...
By Samantha Oltman | April 5, 2013
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Commentary: Union dishes out blame on sex abuse
Lots of blame was dished out last week after a state audit found weak dismissal and reporting practices at LAUSD regarding teachers accused of sexual misconduct. Especially vocal was UTLA president Warren Fletcher, who has consistently lobbed criticism at LAUSD for how it has managed the scandal. Now I am a Prop-30-supporting-dyed-in-the-wool union Democrat, but...
By Jamie Alter Lynton | December 3, 2012
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One Thing: Where’s UTLA Stand on Teacher Removal?
“Although it wasn’t recommended by the auditor, Deasy wants the Legislature to try again to pass a bill making it easier to suspend teachers accused of child abuse…. LAUSD said it is working with Sen. Padilla on that legislation. UTLA opposed last year’s bill, but Fletcher wouldn’t say what position the union would take on a new...
By LA School Report | November 30, 2012
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Morning Read: Resisting Reconstitution
South LA Schools Team Up To Fight Reconstitution The two South LA schools [Dorsey, Crenshaw] joined forces and organized a public meeting tonight to inform Crenshaw parents and students about the district’s effort to reform underachieving schools. KPCC 4 In Alleged Soccer Team Hazing File Claims Against School District Four teenagers who say they were...
By Hillel Aron | October 5, 2012
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Morning Read: Teachers Ponder Propositions
Should California’s Teachers Vote With The Governor? Nearly half a million of California’s voters are teachers. Like other voters, they will soon have to decide how to mark their November ballots. They will certainly scratch their heads over Propositions 30 and 38, competing measures that would ease the damage of four years of steady budget...
By Hillel Aron | October 2, 2012