PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, (Photos- pusd.us, coloradoblvd.net)
PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, Ed.D., issued a statement today in Response to August 14 Incident at San Rafael Elementary School.
By News Desk
A deeply concerning incident took place on Sunday, August 14, 2022, involving a Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) custodian and a number of police officers from the Pasadena Police Department at San Rafael Elementary School.
Employee was wearing District uniform; had a set of school keys
On Sunday, August 14, 2022, the San Rafael Elementary School head custodian who has worked for PUSD for 14 years, was on campus performing additional work requested by the school administration. He was wearing his District uniform and had a set of school keys in his possession. Pasadena police officers arrived at campus apparently in response to a report of a possible intruder at the school.
Concerns on many levels
I have concerns about the manner in which the PUSD employee was apprehended and the way he was treated. I also have questions about misstatements possibly made by the individual who called the police.
City officials
Yesterday, I spoke with the interim Pasadena Police Chief to voice my concerns. He has pledged to investigate. I also spoke with the interim city manager today who also pledged to look into the matter. I am seeking a full explanation of how this situation was handled.
Pasadena Police Department
While we see the Pasadena Police Department as a partner agency in our city, as with all Pasadena community members, we expect that law enforcement will act respectfully and appropriately when dealing with members of the public, including our PUSD staff.
We will continue to gather information before determining any further action.
Principal Ramirez obviously has a grudge against the neighbors. He should be removed. His behavior was totally non-professional and shows deep animosity and racist leanings. Don’t need him in the neighborhood. The neighbors are more than tolerant when it comes to being patient to their dangerous pick up/drop off traffic plan.