"GUSD is becoming bankrupt because you are all morally bankrupt."
The news about Pedro Telez's arrest is widespread, and as a taxpayer and concerned voting citizen of Glendale, it deeply alarms me. While the media covers the specifics of the arrest, I'm here to discuss broader implications and potential fallout for our community.
In 2018, Mr. Telez was not arrested due to a lack of evidence. It's crucial to understand that criminal cases have a stringent requirement: proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. But the standards are different in civil cases. They have a lower threshold for proving negligence, and the plaintiffs can target multiple defendants. Moreover, these civil suits often look at the party with the most substantial financial backing, which in many cases, is the city or school district. The judgment in such lawsuits is determined by ordinary citizens serving jury duty. They evaluate negligence based on available evidence and determine a suitable compensation amount.
A recent case in LAUSD involving the molestation of two elementary students is a pertinent example. The school district proposed a settlement of half a million dollars for each child. However, a jury, after short deliberation, decided on an award of $3 million for each child, adding another $2.75 million in damages.
Now, examine Glendale's current situation:
We have a school district that actively addresses gender and sexuality topics with young students.
We've had a city arts commission sponsoring an exhibit in a community park displaying images that some would argue are inappropriate for children.
The artist of those controversial images has been granted access to interact with students in our district and is known for using suggestive language and descriptions publicly.
I find these decisions questionable. They can easily be viewed as indicative of a broader pattern of neglect and indifference towards our children's well-being.
The evidence may be circumstantial, but in the eyes of the public, and more importantly, in a civil courtroom, it's profoundly incriminating. Legal teams could potentially exploit this situation, draining resources that should be invested in our students' futures.
In a corporate setting, such oversights and neglect would result in immediate dismissals. The liabilities would be too significant to ignore. But this isn't a corporation. This involves taxpayer money — the funds that should be allocated for our children's education.
The path we're on is not only risking financial insolvency for the school district but it also highlights a severe moral bankruptcy. If we don't re-evaluate our priorities and governance, we might be in for some unsettling revelations in the future.
The message is clear: We need transparency, responsibility, and above all, a commitment to safeguarding the interests of our students and community. As an advocate and a concerned citizen, I implore the district and the community to take heed and act before it's too late.
