Superintendent Brian McDonald (Photo – PUSD)
In a message to San Rafael Elementary Community, PUSD Superintendent, Brian McDonald, Ed.D., stated the following:
The last two weeks have been very difficult for San Rafael Elementary School and the broader Pasadena community. The detention of our custodian at the school by the Pasadena Police Department and the reaction by the principal have caused deep concern in our community. I share that deep concern.
Indeed, consistent with Board Policy 4319.21, our expectation is that all PUSD staff meet high standards of behavior as examples to our students. Principals are expected at all times to abide by the values of our District and the standards of professional education leaders.
We expect principals and all school leaders to recognize and use their professional influence with staff and the community to develop a climate of trust, mutual respect, and honest communication necessary to consistently make fair and equitable decisions on behalf of all students.
After examining the matter in depth, the following is taking effect:
- While Principal Ramirez will remain assigned to the school, corrective action is being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of his actions. An acting principal is on campus, but Principal Ramirez will return in the near future. Since this is a personnel matter, the District cannot provide any further details. As most of you know, Principal Ramirez has apologized publicly.
- Now, we must refocus on student learning.
- We will begin a facilitated dialogue at the school and with neighbors to strengthen relationships so that students and staff can continue learning and thriving. Our goal now is to foster a climate of civility, collegiality, tolerance, and reasoned debate, embracing our diversity as a strength that adds vibrancy and creativity to our perspectives, deliberations, and decisions. We must work together as members of one community for the benefit of our students and families. The best education for our students continues to be our top priority.
Sincerely,
Brian McDonald, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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They couldn’t fire him. And I’m glad they didn’t. There is a lot of soul searching needed in that neighborhood.
Sounds right. Use the incident as a learning moment, and engage all stakeholders in a conversation – not just a one-off town hall, but extended – to identify real issues and calibrate responses to address them directly.