Parents frustrated with meetings; further disciplinary action
against teacher discussed
Gilroy – In the aftermath of two questionable narratives that were read aloud by a Brownell Academy teacher, parents and district officials are trying to work out their differences.
In a meeting this week, a handful of concerned Brownell parents, GUSD assistant superintendent of human resources Linda Piceno and Brownell principal Suzanne Damm discussed possible further disciplinary action for sixth-grade teacher Joanne Lewis, in her fifth year at Brownell.
Lewis read the sexual poems, intended to be humorous, to students in her sixth-grade social studies class a few weeks ago. Lewis was placed on paid administrative leave last week before the holiday break and returned to the classroom Monday.
The school board held a closed session Tuesday night in regard to the issue. GUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz said the board is receiving regular updates on the situation.
“We are providing the board with direction regarding the situation involving the Brownell Academy teacher,” Diaz said. “The district attorney will be present at the closed session.”
The district’s investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Piceno estimated it would conclude in the next few weeks. The goal of the investigation is to uncover facts of the incident, including determining whether Lewis’ reading of the poems constitutes sexual harassment, Piceno said.
At Monday’s meeting with parents, Piceno said she could not discuss at this point what further discipline Lewis might incur. Because the information is part of an employee record, Piceno said, it must remain confidential.
According to Piceno, possible consequences range from a discussion between district officials and Lewis to suspension without pay. Because Lewis has permanent status – meaning she is tenured – the process to dismiss her likely would be lengthy because tenured teachers have rights to a hearing. Piceno said Lewis’ dismissal is unlikely.
The district also could suggest to Lewis that she issue an apology and/or a letter home to Brownell parents, but it would be up to Lewis whether to follow through.
Frustrated by what some said was a pointless meeting, parents presented Piceno and Damm with suggestions of what they thought could be done to help remedy the situation more immediately.
One of those ideas, which Piceno said the district will consider, is a 20- to 30-minute presentation for all Brownell students outlining what is considered inappropriate conduct and what students should do if they witness it.
The presentation will be reviewed by a panel of parents and presented before school lets out for winter break Dec. 20, Piceno said.
Lisa Rossi, a Morgan Hill Unified School District parent, said she attended the meeting in support of Brownell parent Elma Mendoza, who has been vocal in her disapproval of Lewis’ actions.
Rossi said she didn’t think much was accomplished during the 90-minute meeting, which she called a joke.
“I’m appalled. Nothing was given to parents from district staff. There was no information, no pacifying, just a lot of smiles and a lot of, ‘I can’t tell you this, I can’t tell you that,'” Rossi said. “They gave us the run around. My perspective is that they met with parents in an attempt to pacify the parents.”
During one point in the meeting, Rossi posed a hypothetical question to Piceno: If Piceno had an 11-year-old child who Rossi was taking care of, and Rossi read the two narratives to the child, would Piceno be concerned?
At that point, Rossi said, Piceno acknowledged the material Lewis read was inappropriate.
Both Rossi and Mendoza said the atmosphere of the meeting was negative and tense. Mendoza said she walked away from the meeting feeling like nothing was accomplished, but that didn’t surprise her.
“I think I knew nothing was going to come out of it,” she said. “It’s still this whole cycle of there’s no communication and there’s no willingness to look at what’s really at hand here.”
Although some parents might be frustrated, Damm said she invites questions and comments and encourages parents to speak up, despite the fact that personnel issues cannot be disclosed.
“We’re more than happy to talk to parents when they have frustrations,” she said. “We welcome questions and concerns, because that’s how we make sure we’re aware of what’s going on, and that’s how we deal with things and clear up things that might be a misunderstanding.”
