SLZ School Hides Abusive Teacher (Original Post from 2-28 available on Newsbreak)

 San Lorenzo School District, in the heart of the East Bay, California has been around since 1859. They have promised since they opened to provide safety, and an education for all students in each of the schools. Lately it does not seem that way as there have been multiple complaints about the principles and teachers. Specifically at Lorenzo Manor. The 2023/2024 school year started off well. We were introduced to a permanent special needs teacher along with the Para teachers. He seemed very knowledgeable and kind at first. I remember one of the days in October, myself and another parent were talking to him after school and he made a comment about “not being patient”. At the time I laughed it off as I thought it was a joke. It would soon not be a laughing matter. In the fall there was an incident involving a student from another class and a student from our special needs class which the principal himself tried to dismiss. Early December was when myself and the other 10 parents noticed strange changes in our children. It wasn’t so noticeable at first as kids will try to stay home and being this is a special needs class I doubt that any parent took this very seriously. Except one. One mother noticed her child’s behavior to be very unsettling. She couldn’t figure out why but two weeks later brought the attention to the principal where it was dismissed until she pushed and was eventually told that the teacher had bit her student on the hand. Upon speaking with one of the Paras she learned that one of them had in fact reported the incident when it happened but no one informed the mother for two weeks. As soon as she found out, a police report was made and she did pull her child out of school for two weeks while this case was under investigation. We found out eventually that the teacher would not be returning to the school. On 2/27/24 we received word from the parent that the district has moved that teacher to the high school where he will be teaching disabled children. What I cannot wrap my head around is those parents have no idea what he’s done. He has managed to traumatize 12 children at once. None of these kids wanted to go to school until they were sure he wouldn’t be there. As a parent I feel it’s pivotal information that these parents have regarding the adult who is supposed to make sure their children is safe during school hours. They wouldn’t hire a sex offender so why allow an abuser to continue to work for them? It’s absolutely disgusting. What’s worse is the principal at this school has no compassion for any of the parents or children and will probably continue to brush serious events off as minor incidents. I myself cannot recall a time at all where he has apologized for his actions or the actions of his teachers/staff. As parents, we should feel safe in knowing who our children are around. It is my hope that districts will change how they turn away from dangerous situations and pretend it never happened.