Concerns by Executive Cabinet Regarding Board Member

Concerns list and links of Policies and Codes May 2021

ITEM FACT RULE/CONCERN IMPACT WITNESS

1. ● On April 1, 2021, Carlos Gonzales, SuperintendentCesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent of BusinessServices, Dr. Brian Thurman, AssistantSuperintendent of Human Resources and RiskManagement, met with the district’s legal counselteam (DWK) represented by attorneys Mr. SamSantana and Ms. Ellen Wu to discuss issues relatedto false allegations, lack of procedures beingfollowed by certain members of the Board, and overall concerns from Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. andTrustee Ciro Calderon.

The purpose of this meeting was to look for guidanceand/or direction on how to best approach theseconcerns. Attorney Sam Santana mentioned thatthey represented the Board and they would need tolook at how best to approach this.

The district’s lead negotiator and senior partner,attorney Jon Pearl was not available, as he was onvacation. Attorney Sam Santana mentioned thatthey would get back to us.

● On April 8, 2021, DWK Senior Partner and leadnegotiator for the district, attorney Jon Pearl reachedout via email to Superintendent Carlos Gonzalesrequesting to meet and discuss his concerns.

● On April 12, 2021, Superintendent Carlos Gonzalesreplied to attorney Jon Pearl requesting a meeting onApril 13, 2021.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9012 BoardMember ElectronicCommunication &Violation ofGovernment CodeSection 54952.2 “Amajority of the Boardshall not, outside ofan authorizedmeeting, use aseries of electroniccommunications ofany kind, directly orthroughintermediaries, todiscuss,deliberate,or take action on anyitem that is within thesubject matterjurisdiction of theBoard.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “Unlessagreed to by theBoard as a whole,individual membersof the Board shallnot exercise anyadministrative

Included all board membersin an email to theSuperintendent, makingaccusations ofinsubordination andsabotaging.● There was a teacher,

Mario Magallanes whowas included in theemail. The email wasopened by the teacher.

● Giving a directive to anemployee (EduardoPerez), which is not aboard member duty.

● Not taking theSuperintendent’savailability for ownevaluation intoconsideration.

● Ciro Calderon continuesto lie, using the District’sattorney, Amy Estrada topush his agenda ongiving inaccurateinformation to theattorney.

● Carlos Gonzales wasnot able to attend theMonday special boardmeeting due to areligious commitment.

● EduardoPerez

● RichardRomero

● EnriqueAlvarado

● MargaritaMagallanes

● AmyEstrada

● Jon Pearl● Ellen Wu● Sam

Santana

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● On April 13, 2021, On 4-13-21, Carlos Gonzales metvia zoom with Jon Pearl at 10 AM to discuss theconcerns the Executive Cabinet was having with theBoard of Trustees. The meeting was at the request ofJon Pearl due to previous concerns Cesar Vega,Carlos Gonzales, and Brian Thurman had brought tothe attention of District Attorney’s Sam Santana andEllen Wu on 4/1/21, regarding issues with the board.Email from Jon Pearl 4-8-21

On 4/13/21, Carlos Gonzales advised Jon Pearl thatthe Executive Cabinet had discussed the concernswith outside legal counsel. Outside legal counselrecommended the concerns be shared with theDistrict’s attorney first.

Jon Pearl had requested to meet with SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales, first, before meeting with theExecutive Cabinet.

We agreed to meet on Thursday, 4/15/21, with theExecutive Cabinet (Elisa Ramirez, Cesar Vega, andBrian Thurman), Jon Pearl, and Ellen Wu.

On 4/15/21 & 4/19/21● On April 15, 2021, the Executive Cabinet team met

with legal counsel Jon Pearl and Ellen Wu fromD.W.K. to share and discuss all the concernsexpressed in this table and further agreed to meet on4-19-21 at 10:30 AM to continue the discussion.

All district Attorneys present on 4-19-21 agreed thatthe information shared with them would not bediscussed with the board until their next RegularlyScheduled Board Meeting on April 22, 2021.

On April 21, 2021, the Executive Cabinet team metwith legal counsel Amy Estrada, and Jon Pearl andEllen Wu from D.W.K. to express their concerns with

responsibility withrespect to theschools or commandthe services of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent.”

● Retaliatory behaviorand confirmedthrough actualSuperintendentEvaluation presentedto Superintendent on4-23-21. Attached isthe response toCarlos Gonzales’Evaluation for2020-2021

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscrimination basedon race, color,religion, sex andnational origin.

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility. #2.Consulting with theSuperintendent or

Every Monday he praysthe Live Fire Rosarythrough JP2 Radio,which is aired viafacebook.

● Feeling of discrimination- Not the first timeSuperintendent CarlosGonzales’ religion hasbeen targeted.

● On 4/1/21 CarlosGonzales, Cesar Vegaand Brian Thurman metwith Sam Santana andEllen Wu to discuss theissues and concerns withthe school boardmembers and abuse ofauthority. On 4/13/21 JonPearl met with CarlosGonzales to discuss nextsteps. Carlos Gonzalesshared with Jon Pearlthat the ExecutiveCabinet had alreadybeen consulting withoutside legal counsel.On 4/15/21 - CarlosGonzales, ElisaRamirez, Brian Thurmanand Cesar Vega met withJon Pearl and Ellen Wuto express their concernsregarding the board.

● The Executive Cabinetand Administrationagreed to meet on4/19/21 to continuediscussing the concerns.

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information already being leaked out that was onlypresented to the District’s attorney’s on 4-19-21.

4/16/21● On 4-16-21, Ciro Calderon emailed Carlos Gonzales,

including ALL the board members, including ateacher, insisting on holding the superintendentevaluation on Monday, 4-19-21, during a specialboard meeting, and failure to schedule the meetingwould be looked upon as insubordination, sabotage,and failure to comply with a directive. Email to CiroCalderon and Board of Superintendent on 4-16-21

● Ciro Calderon then proceeded to go to EduardoPerez, IT Coordinator’s office physically, and directhim to enter into the District employee’s emailaccount to retract the email, knowing he had donewrong.

● Email to Carlos Gonzales on 4-16-21.● Email from Eduardo Peres 4-16-21● 2nd Email from Eduardo Perez 4-16-21● Carlos Gonzales emailed an email to Ciro Calderon

and the board on 4-16-21. He called Ciro Calderon tolet him know that he was not available on Mondaydue to a prior religious commitment. Ciro Calderoninformed Carlos Gonzales that the evaluation neededto be scheduled on Monday (4/19), Tuesday (4/20),or Wednesday (4/21), per Amy Estrada. Carlosoffered to hold a special board meeting for theevaluation on 4-29-21. That date was previouslyscheduled with board approval for a special boardmeeting; however, the item for that special boardmeeting needed to be rescheduled due to CesarVega's surgery. Carlos Gonzales talked to AmyEstrada about Ciro Calderon's statement, and Amyconfirmed that she did not tell Ciro that the meetinghad to take place the week of 4-19-21. Amyconfirmed that the (4/29) date recommended for theSuperintendent Evaluation would still be within thetimeline for evaluating the Superintendent.

designee on thepreparation of theBoard's agendas (cf.9322 - Agenda /Meeting Materials)

● 2020-21 GovernanceCalendar

On 4/19/21 AmyEstrada, Jon Pearl andEllen Wu met with CarlosGonzales, ElisaRamirez, Brian Thurmanand Cesar Vega tocontinue discussing theconcerns and next steps.Legal informed theExecutive Cabinet thatthe concerns would beshared with boardmembers on 4/22/21board meeting in closedsession. It is clear theinformation was sharedwith the school boardpresident or boardmembers, prior to4/22/21.

● This has caused a lackof trust in the DistrictAttorney’s by theExecutive Cabinet.

● It is also clear the DistrictAttorney’s advised theboard president or boardmembers of thecomplaints by theExecutive Cabinet due tothe potential liability tothe District. Further, itwas also communicatedto the District Attorney’sthat the ExecutiveCounsel had alreadyseeked outside legalcounsel on thesecomplaints, creating an

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● Why was Ciro Calderon so insistent in forcing aspecial board meeting for the SuperintendentEvaluation before the regular board meeting of4-22-21? He went back and forth on having a specialboard meeting on 4/19/21 and provided falseinformation, using the District’s Attorney AmyEstrada.Text to Amy Estrada on Board Meeting of 4-19-21.

● Carlos perceived that Ciro’s lied to force thesuperintendent’s evaluation meeting before theregular board meeting of 4-22-21 because legal hadalready given the board president Ciro Calderon orthe school board a heads up on the forthcomingcomplaint.

● Carlos suspected they would give him a badevaluation and did not want it to take place after the4-22-21 regular board meeting where the attorneyshad let the executive cabinet know the complaintwould be shared and seen as retaliation towards himdue to the complaint.

● Carlos suspected that he may receive a badevaluation because there were different occasionswhere he was falsely accused of not following upwith items. For example, Lorenzo Calderon accusedCarlos Gonzales of not following our governancecalendar during the 1-14-21 board meeting (minute .4:57:50) even though Carlos had sent Ciro Calderonan email reminding him of a need to meet. February11, 2021 Board Meeting - "Board Will Engage inInformal Process & Assessment of Supt. Goals &Objectives" Email to Ciro Calderon 1-12-21

● He was also falsely accused of purchasing HVACunits without informing the board (See Item #4).

● Ciro Calderon sent an email with a series ofcomplaints that were either not substantiated (falseaccusations) or partly substantiated, however CiroCalderon failed to follow up with Carlos. (See item#14)

● Item #35 of the complaints prove that the concerns

urgency to communicatethis matter to the boardpresident or the boardmembers.

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were shared with the school board on 4/19/21. Thecomplaints were not supposed to be shared with theschool board until 4/22/21 as per the District'sattorney's discussion with the executive cabinet on4/19/21.

● The fact that a witness on 4/20/21 was alreadysharing wrong information in detail that would only befound in the complaint report proves that thecomplaints were shared with the school board on4/19/21 in a closed session. The only item on theagenda on 4/19/21 was the SuperintendentEvaluation. There was no other item on the boardagenda for the board to discuss the complaints.

● Carlos Gonzales has worked as the AssistantSuperintendent of HR and Risk Management forCUSD since 2014, served as the InterimSuperintendent of CUSD from 2017-2018 and servedas the District Superintendent from 2018 to present(2021). In his experience, any potential liability orrisk to the District is reported immediately to theschool board president, the school board and/or theDistrict’s insurance carrier. It makes sense that theDistrict’s attorney’s, per their duty and due diligence,reported the upcoming complaints to the boardpresident and the school board, due to the potentialliability to the District.

● Attached is the response to Carlos Gonzales’Evaluation for 2020-2021. The evaluation washandled in a very unprofessional manner, with noinput from Carlos Gonzales as the Superintendentand no consideration for his time, due to a religiouscommittment, which he considers to bediscrimination. Further, the actions that occurredpre-evaluation and post-evaluation are in retaliationfor complaints filed by the Executive Cabinet againstCiro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon. This also tiesdirectly to ITEM #47, which explains furtherretaliation from the majority of the school board,which includes Enrique Alvarado and Margarita

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Magallanes.

2. ● On April 15, 2021, Board President Ciro Calderon letSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales know that he andTrustee Enrique Alvarado, toured the CHS campus,to specifically inspect the new 16 classroom buildingand its furniture. Per Gabby Williams, CHS Principal,she informed Carlos Gonzales that Claudia Maciashad reached out to Ciro Calderon to complain. As aresult:

○ Trustee Ciro Calderon complained that thenew teachers’ desks were too small.

○ Superintendent Carlos Gonzales informedTrustee Ciro Calderon that the furnitureselected was carefully vetted through aselection process that included CHS teachersand Principal Gabby Williams who signed offon the furniture provided (See Attached).

○ Superintendent Carlos Gonzales informedTrustee Ciro Calderon that he recommendedpurchasing the bigger desks through thesame distributing company Parron Hall asthey are Board approved, and have all theschematic designs for the new classrooms,and helped the district develop our newfurniture standards for Calexico High School.

■ Parron Hall Board Approval April 2020■ Parron Hall Board Approval March

2021 - HON■ Parron Hall Board Approval March

2021 - All-Steel

○ Board President Ciro Calderon responded toSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales that thedistrict could purchase and order furniturefrom any company except Parron Hall.

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authorityto resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”This is alsoperceived asmicromanagement.

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“The Board ofEducationrecognizes that theBoard is the unit ofauthority over thedistrict and that aBoard member hasno individualauthority. Board

● The Board of Trusteesapproved on April 23,2020, the purchase offurniture for this newbuilding using ParronHall as the authorizeddistributor (seeattached). Using thesame vendor andfollowing the sameprocurement process(See attached) is criticalto match the existingfurniture layout anddistrict standards.

● An example of Teacher/scomplaining to a boardmember/s regardingconcerns and boardmembers gettinginvolved circumventsoperating procedures.

● District Administrationand CHS administrationhad already approvedthe purchase of furniturethat best meets theneeds of students andstaff at Calexico HighSchool. CHS PrincipalGabby Williams hadapproved the existingfurniture (See Attached).

● The Board of Trustees,unanimously, voted onMarch 11, 2021, tocontinue to use Parron

● GabrielleWilliams

● ClaudiaMacias

● JohnDominguez

● KimDessert

● LarrySmall

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○ Board President Ciro Calderon requested thatthe new 16 classroom building be equippedwith desks, “Way bigger” and they wouldneed to flow with the design of the building.Email to Cesar Vega on 4/15/21

● On April 16, 2021, at 10:00 A.M., SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales, Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services, Cesar Vega, and Trustee EnriqueAlvarado met at Calexico High School to furtherdiscuss his furniture concerns.

○ Cesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services explained to TrusteeEnrique Alvarado that the furniture that wasalready in place was carefully selected by theproject management team and Calexico HighSchool staff, including Principal GabbyWilliams who had signed off on the order(See Attached).

○ Cesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services explained to TrusteeAlvarado that the furniture could not beexchanged or returned, and that all thenecessary furniture for the new 16-classroombuilding and 12-classroom building hasalready been purchased and paid for:

■ Furniture P.O. - New 16 ClassroomBuilding.

■ Furniture P.O. - New 12 ClassroomBuilding.

○ Cesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services further explained toTrustee Enrique Alvarado that the new 12Classroom building was scheduled to open inAugust of 2021, and that the furniture wassimilar to the 16 Classroom building, including

members shall holdthe education ofstudents above anypartisan principle,group interest, orpersonal interest.”

● Principal GabbyWilliams approvingfurniture: (Link)

● Violation ofCalifornia EducationCode Section35292: “Thegoverning board ofany school districtshall visit eachschool in its districtat least once eachterm, and examinecarefully into themanagement,needs, andconditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

Hall as the district’sauthorized distributorsfor furniture using JPAand PurchasingConsortiums All-Steeland HON which are bothpart of theMICPA/OMNIAintergovernmentalagencies(Federal/State/Local)that provide excellentprices and life-timewarranties on mostitems.

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the teachers’ desks. Trustee EnriqueAlvarado ordered Cesar Vega to purchasebigger desks for the new 12 Classroombuilding as well, and that the leftover desks(small desks) be donated to other sites.

● The district’s Project Management team in-charge ofall Measure V and Measure Q capital facilitiesprojects include:

○ School Site Solutions■ John Dominguez■ Kim Dessert

○ Sanders Architect and Engineering■ Jimmy Sanders■ Jesus Aguilera

○ District Officials■ Cesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent

of Business Services■ Gabby Williams, Principal

The Project Management team carefully crafted andengineered furniture standards for Calexico HighSchool and district-wide keeping in mind ergonomicsand 21st century learning standards. The ProjectManagement team recommended to the Board ofTrustees joining JPA/Purchasing Consortiums suchas OMNIA, ESI, HON, and All-Steel to procure thepurchase of durable and good quality furniture. Asthe authorized distributor, Parron Hall wasrecommended to the Board of Trustees for approvalon two occasions:

■ Resolution No. 04-33-20 & 04-34-20■ Resolution No. 03-23-21 & 03-24-21

These Resolutions were unanimously approved bythe Board of Trustees, including Trustee CiroCalderon, Trustee Enrique Alvarado, and TrusteeLorenzo Calderon Jr. However, Trustee CiroCalderon is interfering with the Board approveddirective of purchasing furniture through Parron Hall

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as he alleges that Mr. Cesar Vega, AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, is actingunethically and criminally by using this distributor(See Attached).

3. ● On March 26, 2021, Board President Ciro Calderonpersonally met with Kennedy Gardens Principal, Ms.Elvia Fuentes, to inform her that the “Board” wasgoing to directly order the furniture she had beenrequesting, and that Trustee Margarita Magallaneswas going to directly call a few furniture companiesto come out and measure the office furniture. TrusteeCiro Calderon stated that there will be no furniture forher staff and students until October 2021. Email of3/26/21.

The Calexico Unified School District Board ofTrustees unanimously voted to approve joining JPAPurchasing Consortium groups such as OMNIA, ESI,HON, and All-Steel to procure the purchase andinstallation of furniture using authorized San Diegodistributor Parron Hall:

■ Resolution No. 04-33-20 & 04-34-20■ Resolution No. 03-23-21 & 03-24-21

Even though Parron Hall is an authorized distributor,Board President Ciro Calderon has directedSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales not to purchasefurniture from the Board approved distributor whichkeeps the administration from assisting school siteswhenever they request furniture. This micromanagingbehavior is now being followed by the newlyappointed Board of Trustee Margarita Magallanes.

● Board members on multiple occasions, similar to thisone, have their own agenda and will do anything topush their agendas.

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“The Board ofEducationrecognizes that theBoard is the unit ofauthority over thedistrict and that aBoard member hasno individualauthority. Boardmembers shall holdthe education ofstudents above anypartisan principle,group interest, orpersonal interest.”

● Violation ofCalifornia EducationCode Section 35292:“The governingboard of any schooldistrict shall visiteach school in itsdistrict at least onceeach term, andexamine carefullyinto themanagement, needs,and conditions of theschools. In anyschool district which

● The Board of Trusteesapproved on April 23,2020, and again onMarch 11, 2021,unanimously to continueto use Parron Hall as thedistrict’s authorizedfurniture distributors.

● Public Contract CodeSection 20111 (a) (1)clearly defines thedistrict’s procurementprocess and obligation toout and bid wheneverthe minimum thresholdsare exceeded.

● For context, theestimated cost forclassroom/teacher, andadministrative furnitureat Kennedy Gardensclearly exceeds the$96,700 maximumthreshold before thedistrict has to go out andbid.

● When Mr. Calderonconfirmed to PrincipalFuentes that the “Board”was going to personallygo out and purchaseKennedy GardensElementary’s muchneeded furniture, he did

● ElviaFuentes

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

● JamieBlancas

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employs district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

not specify nor informthe district of the type ofprocurement processthat he (and Ms.Magallanes) wasfollowing.

● Furthermore, the Boardof Trustees are notdistrict employees andcannot submitrequisitions nor issuepurchase orders directlyto vendors. Board Policy3300 requires a formalcontract or purchaseorder, and that weadhere to PublicContract Code Section20111.

● Compromising healthand safety of CUSDstudents.

● Micromanagement, not aboard duty.

4. ● On March 25, 2021, Board President Ciro Calderonmet with Carlos Gonzales to give him a conferencesummary letter, which included inaccurate dates,inaccurate information and meetings that never tookplace. He made allegations against Cesar Vega,Assistant Superintendent of Business Services,claiming that the Board of Trustees felt blindsided byexpenses to Arctic Air, when all expenses arereported and approved by the board in the AccountsPayable Prelist at every Regularly Scheduled BoardMeeting. This is defamation of character againstCarlos Gonzales & Cesar Vega, not only byinsinuating, but by putting the allegations onexpenses to Arctic Air in writing and giving it in a

● Per Board Bylaw9322 Agenda /Meeting Material,“Board membersshall review agendamaterials beforeeach meeting.Individual membersmay confer directlywith theSuperintendent ordesignee to requestadditionalinformation on

● Inaccurate dates andinformation.

● Meeting referred to in theletter of February 16,2021 was held overzoom at Ciro Calderon’srequest with CarlosGonzales to discuss whyChris De La Rosapresented at the boardmeeting of February 11,2021. There was nodiscussion onHVAC/Arctic Air

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conference summary letter to Carlos Gonzales.○ Conference Summary Letter.○ Pre-Lists that have been submitted to the

Board of Trustees for approval at previousRegularly Scheduled Board Meetings.

These false allegations were used by BoardPresident Ciro Calderon to maliciously write anegative performance evaluation for SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales (Link to January 14, 2021, BoardMeeting) (Minute 51:40).

● On January 14, 2021, Cesar Vega, AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services presented tothe Board of Trustees a report on three specifictopics:

○ HVAC Expenditures○ Overtime Justification○ Contract Administration

■ See Attached Presentation andReport.

These reports were requested specifically by TrusteeLorenzo Calderon Jr. and Trustee Ciro Calderon Jr.who often make allegations that overtime can only beawarded in dire emergency situations, and thatHVAC unit replacements are unnecessary. In fact,Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. has stated that 80% ofthe HVAC unit inventory district-wide were replacedin 2016, a statement that is inaccurate.

■ Proposition 39 HVAC 2016 Inventoryprovided by Climatec.

■ HVAC Inventory Replaced by Climatecin Phase I equals 46 units only.

For this reason, the Maintenance and OperationsDepartment is constantly harassed forrecommending replacement of HVAC units.

January 14, 2021, Regularly Scheduled Board

agenda items.”● Retaliation● Defamation of

Character

expenditures as stated inthe letter.

● False allegations of theboard being blindsidedby the BusinessDepartment, specificallyMr. Vega. All expensesare included in theAccounts Payable Prelistat every board meeting.

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Meeting Recap:❏ The false allegations made during this Board

Meeting were used to write a negativeperformance for Carlos Gonzales. (January14, 2021 board meeting) (minute 51:40). TheAssistant Superintendent of BusinessServices, Mr. Cesar Vega had alreadyprovided information regarding HVACexpenditures. Mr. Cesar Vega expressed tothe board, “if you guys want morecontrol...then give us a limit?”

❏ During the January 27, 2021 board meeting(12:48 minute), Board President CiroCalderon asked Superintendent CarlosGonzales, “I want to know who said yes, youcan do this? Mr. Vega?...”. SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales responded that ultimatelyeverything falls on him. Trustee CiroCalderon insisted on wanting to know whoauthorized it. Superintendent CarlosGonzales believes the trustees wanted toretaliate against the Maintenance andOperations Supervisor, Mr. Chris de La Rosaand/or the Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services, Mr. Cesar Vega, whooversees this department, and becauseSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales took theresponsibility some Board members wereupset at him and retaliated against himwith a conference summary letter thatcontained false information.

5. ● On 3/19/21, Mr. Ciro Calderon called KennedyGardens Elementary Principal Ms. Elvia Fuentes todiscuss furniture. He mentioned that he would haveapproved the furniture at the last board meeting if itwas a different company. It bothered him that theAssistant Superintendent of Business Services, Mr.Cesar Vega suggested using Board approved

● Defamation ofCharacter (slander)

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“The Board ofEducation

● Defamation ofCharacter against Mr.Vega (Slander):○ Intentionally made

false statementsagainst a seniormanagement official

● ElviaFuentes

● JaimeBlancas(Parron HallRepresentative)

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distributor, Parron Hall (Board Approved ResolutionsI & II)

Mr. Ciro Calderon made malicious statementsagainst the Assistant Superintendent of BusinessServices, Mr. Cesar Vega and accused him ofslander. Email of 3/19/21. Mr. Ciro Calderon impliedthat Mr. Vega Cesar has a personal interest in thiscompany and that something “stinks” is considered adefamation of character.

● The CUSD trustees entered into a JPA purchasingconsortium (OMNIA) via Resolutions #04-33-20 and# 04-34-20 and approved by the board on 4-23-20. Inaddition, the CUSD board of trustees approved theESI Contract to purchase ergonomics solutions,including equipment on 4-23-20, where Parron Hall islisted as an authorized distributor.

● Furthermore, on 3/11/21 the board approved, asecond timeResolutions #03-23-21 and # 03-24-21and approved by the board on 3-11-21 Parron Hall asan authorized vendor. Both Board President CiroCalderon and Clerk of the Board Lorenzo Calderonsigned off on the resolution.

● The Board of Trustees have designated theSuperintendent or designee to develop and maintaineffective purchasing procedures that are consistentwith sound financial controls and that ensure thedistrict receives maximum value for items purchased(BP 3300). The Board Approved Resolutions (April23, 2020) and (March 11, 2021 A&B) whichdemonstrate effective procurement and purchasingprocedures are being followed by Mr. Cesar Vega.

● Even though Parron Hall is an authorized distributorfor furniture, Mr. Ciro Calderon directed the

recognizes that theBoard is the unit ofauthority over thedistrict and that aBoard member hasno individualauthority. Boardmembers shall holdthe education ofstudents above anypartisan principle,group interest, orpersonal interest.”

and accused him ofbribery.

○ The falsestatements ofbribery were madevia phone call toanother districtemployee (PrincipalElvia Fuentes) whothen reported theincident toSuperintendentCarlos Gonzales.

○ Mr. Ciro Calderonwas not onlyreckless butintentionally madefalse statements toraise suspicion onanother publicofficial that he (Mr.Vega) was takingbribes.

○ E-Mails from publicofficials are subjectto public records,and if thisinformation gets out,Mr. Vega’sreputation can betarnished and ruinhim severely asnobody else in thepublic sector wouldwant to hire him.

● Micromanagement, not aboard duty.

● Process not beingfollowed.

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superintendent (Carlos) not to purchase from thiscompany. Mr. Ciro Calderon consistently interfereswith the board approved actions and districtprocesses.

● Allegations to thebusiness departmentprocess.

6. ● SEE ITEM #8● On 3/4/21, Per the request of Superintendent Carlos

Gonzales, district’s legal counsel Amy Estrada sent amemorandum to the Board of Trustees on Review ofProcedures, Bylaws, and Laws Regarding Conductof Board Meetings, due to a Brown Act violationcommitted by current Board President Mr. CiroCalderon.

● On February 11, 2021, at the Regularly ScheduledBoard Meeting, current Board President CiroCalderon abruptly and inexplicably stopped theregularly scheduled open-session part of the boardmeeting soon after the Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services, Mr. Cesar Vega, and hisMaintenance and Operations Supervisor, Mr. ChrisDe La Rosa, concluded their Maintenance andOperations Report.

Ciro Calderon ordered everyone to get out of theBoard Room, and to give them (Board) five minutes.Ciro Calderon asked Superintendent Gonzales tostay behind in closed session to specifically discussan employee who assisted Mr. Vega with hispresentation, Chris De La Rosa, current Maintenanceand Operations Supervisor.

Everyone was confused, including the rest of theBoard of Trustees, and didn’t know what was goingon. Senior Executive Assistant, Ms. Janet Burgosasked Board President Ciro Calderon what she callsstopping the meeting and Mr. Calderon responded tocall it a recess. It was not a recess because theboard went back into closed session to discuss a

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9321 –Closed SessionPurpose andAgendas

● Retaliation● Discrimination● Violation of Board

Policy 4030 -Nondiscrimination inEmployment

● Violation of Brown Act:Government Codesection 54950 andGovernment Codesection 54954.2.

● Follow Brown Act● Follow parliamentary

procedure.● Follow By-laws

● JanetBurgos

● AmyEstrada

● RichardRomero

● AldoMonge

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● CesarVega

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non-agenda item.

● Board President Ciro Calderon was very angry andraised his voice towards Superintendent CarlosGonzales and stated, “didn’t I tell you I didn’t wantChris De La Rosa to present at the board meeting?”

● After the alleged closed-session discussion, BoardPresident Ciro Calderon called Ms. Janet Burgos andasked her if she could hear him yelling? Memo tothe Board of Trustees. Board Meeting 2-11-2021Recording See minute 58:35

● The fact that Board President Ciro Calderon abruptlystopped the open-session meeting right after Mr.Vega and Mr. De La Rosa concluded their report onthe Maintenance and Operations Department, is aclear indication of retaliation against Mr. Vegaand Mr. De La Rosa.

● Cesar Vega, Assistant Superintendent of Businesshas often used his supervisors and managers atBoard Meetings to assist him in presenting importantinformation to the Board. On January 14, 2021, Mr.Vega had multiple presentations on the agenda, andsummoned the assistance of most of his supervisors,managers, and directors (click here) to present on anumber of topics. Furthermore, Chris De La Rosa’sjob description requires him to prepare reports andbe part of meetings, as needed, by his supervisor(Mr. Vega).

● It was clear that Board President Ciro Calderon wasupset that Cesar Vega allowed Chris De La Rosa tosupport him during his presentation. There is alsoclear evidence that Ciro Calderon does not like Mr.De La Rosa and has an issue with him being invitedto Board Meetings.

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● This is direct retaliation against Mr. Chris de La Rosabecause the board has on various occasionscomplained about his overtime. Other classifiedstaff attend board meetings and are paid overtime fortheir extra hours, yet the Board has beendiscriminatory in prohibiting only one Supervisor, Mr.Chris de La Rosa to present during Board Meetings,even though Trustee Ciro Calderon had agreed forhim to present as per agreement described in item#8, Jan. 6, 2021, meeting between Trustee CiroCalderon, Mr. Chris de La Rosa, legal counsel AmyEstrada and Superintendent Carlos Gonzales. Alsosee ITEM #19 for overtime information related toChris de La Rosa.

7. ● On 3/3/21, Board Clerk, Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr.during his unannounced visit to Calexico HighSchool, he approached School Site SolutionsPresident Mr. John Dominguez, to question himabout certain aspects of the district’s constructionprojects that Mr. Dominguez is under contract toproject manage.

● Mr. Dominguez reported to Mr. Cesar Vega, AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, that Mr.Lorenzo Calderon Jr. had approached him in a ratheraggressive, threatening, and hostile manner. Mr.Lorenzo Calderon Jr. accused Project Manager JohnDominguez of not getting Measure Q Projectsup-and-going. Email of 3/3/21 & Memo from JohnDominguez.

○ Text from Cesar Vega on March 3, 2021 RELorenzo Calderon and John Dominguez atCHS

● The Board of Trustees are appraised daily andinformed of district-wide matters by SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales. Mr. John Dominguez, Kim Dessert,

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9005 -GovernanceStandards “Tomaximize Boardeffectiveness andpublic confidence indistrict governance,Board members areexpected to governresponsibly andhold themselves tothe higheststandards of ethicalconduct.”

● #4 “Govern in adignified andprofessionalmanner, treatingeveryone withcivility and respect.”

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority

● Aggressive, threateningapproach towards JohnDominguez.

● Failure to readSuperintendent updatescreates a lack ofcommunication.

● Micromanagement, not aboard duty.

● Daily updates are sent tothe board and accusedof lack of communication

● Board updates at boardmeetings are shared tocommunicate progress

● JohnDominguez

● KimDessert

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

16

and Mr. Cesar Vega provides detailed monthlyreports to the Board of Trustees regarding facilitiesand capital improvement projects.

○ Board Updates regarding Measure Q andMeasure V Projects are linked here:December 2020, February 2021, and March2021). The problem is that Trustees CiroCalderon and Lorenzo Calderon Jr. seem tonever read our reports that provide ample anddetailed information, therefore, speaking out(sometimes in open session) aboutinconsistencies or questions about projectsbecause they haven’t reviewed theinformation provided to them on a regularbasis. This is not ‘responsible governance’(Board Bylaw 9005, Governance Standards)and this situation is getting worse. So muchthat they have asked for additional ‘special’emails regarding certain situations so theydon’t have to review the information sent on aregular basis that would keep them apprisedof District functions.

“Unless agreed toby the Board as awhole, individualmembers of theBoard shall notexercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools orcommand theservices of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent.Board membersshall referBoard-relatedcorrespondence tothe Superintendentfor forwarding to theBoard or forplacement on theBoard's agenda, asappropriate.”

● Violation ofCalifornia EducationCode Section35292: “Thegoverning board ofany school districtshall visit eachschool in its districtat least once eachterm, and examinecarefully into the

17

management,needs, andconditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

8. ● On 1/4/2021, Mr. Chris De La Rosa, Maintenanceand Operations Supervisor, reached out via email toMr. Carlos Gonzales, Superintendent, to request ameeting with current Board President Ciro Calderonto discuss defaming comments made by him againstMr. De La Rosa, and to discuss other concerningbehavior that Mr. Calderon has been involved in andagainst Mr. De La Rosa. Email of 1/4/21.

○ SEE ITEM #32

● On 1/6/2021, A meeting was held between theMaintenance and Operations Supervisor, Chris DeLa Rosa, and Board President Ciro Calderon todiscuss the allegations brought forward by Mr. De LaRosa. At this meeting, Board President CiroCalderon denied all allegations that were madeagainst him. Email regarding meeting of 1/6/2021.

● The complaint involved an allegation that TrusteeCiro Calderon, while visiting District properties in his

● Retaliation● False Accusation● Descrimination

(overtime).● Defamation of

Character (Slander)● Violation of Board

Policy 4030 -Nondiscrimination inEmployment

● Violation of GovCode 54953 (a) -Meetings Brown Act- All persons mayattend a boardmeeting.

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● There was an agreementby Ciro Calderon as aremedy to Chris’complaint to have ChrisDe La Rosa be moreinclusive at the boardmeetings as discussed inthe meeting on 1/6/2021.It was also agreed thatthere would be noretaliation or reprisal.

● Ciro Calderon wouldlater direct theSuperintendent, CarlosGonzales specifically on02/10/21 to not haveChris De La Rosa at themeetings, as per AmyEstrada, the District’sAttorney.

● Carlos Gonzales asked

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● AmyEstrada

● DarioEspinoza

● EstherMartinez

● JerryEspinoza

18

individual capacity to make personal observationsabout the condition of green areas. Trustee CiroCalderon maliciously made a comment to anunidentified District employee that insinuated that Mr.De La Rosa had misappropriated grass rye seedpurchased by the District for his personal use andlawn at his house.

● Trustee Ciro Calderon denied making such acomment, and expressed to Chris De La Rosa thathe did not believe he would have taken [rye] seedfrom the District for personal use. Mr. De La Rosaexpressed that he found the source (an unidentifiedwitness) credible, and that in making that credibilitydetermination, he considered his past history ornegative experience with the governing board and/orTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. Furthermore, Mr. De LaRosa also described some of the personal impactshe experienced as a result of the alleged statement(Slander).

● Chris De La Rosa also mentioned that he is aware ofunlawful closed session discussions that are notagendized that take place. He mentioned that hewatches every board meeting and listens intently toeverything that is said.

● Trustee Ciro Calderon stated that he intends to workwith Mr. Carlos Gonzales, Superintendent, to createregular opportunities for open session updates atBoard meetings from various programs/departments,including the Maintenance, Operations Department.

● As a remedy to Chris De La Rosa’s complaint, therewas an agreement by Board President Ciro Calderonto have Mr. Chris De La Rosa more inclusive at theboard meetings as discussed in the meeting on1/6/2021 and that there would be no retaliation orreprisal.

● Violation of Bylaw9200 - Limits of theBoard Authority.“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authorityto resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”

Amy Estrada on02/11/21 at 4:50 PMwhat was the rationalefor not having Chris DeLa Rosa present at theboard meeting? AmyEstrada said she did notmake a recommendationor discuss with CiroCalderon, NOT to haveChris De La Rosa speakat the board meeting.

19

● Board President Ciro Calderon requested fromSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales to have Mr. ChrisDe La Rosa present his first Maintenance andOperations board update at their next RegularlyScheduled Board Meeting of January 14, 2021.

● Trustee Ciro Calderon further agreed that this maybe a space to share positive information about theMaintenance, Operations Department, and the manycontributions that its employees have on the district.This will further open the door for communicationbetween the department’s leadership and theGoverning Board.

● On January 14, 2021 board meeting (minute 51:40),Chris de la Rosa presented an update on theMaintenance and Operations Department.

● After the January 14, 2021, Board Meeting, TrusteeCiro Calderon contacted Superintendent CarlosGonzales, and directed him to not have Chris De LaRosa at the next Board Meeting (RegularlyScheduled for February 11, 2021) presenting anyupdate. Trustee Ciro Calderon stated that he hadbeen advised by the district's attorney, Amy Estrada.

● On February 11, 2021, at approximately 4:50 P.M.Mr. Carlos Gonzales, Superintendent, asked district’sattorney, Amy Estrada, what was the rationale for nothaving Mr. Chris De La Rosa present at the nextBoard Meeting? According to Amy Estrada, she didnot make a recommendation to Board President CiroCalderon, NOT to have Mr. Chris De La Rosapresent at the next board meeting. This confirmsonce again that Board President Ciro Calderonprovided false information to the Superintendent.

● On February 10, 2021, Board President Ciro

20

Calderon also mentioned that he did not want Mr.Chris De La Rosa to incur any overtime. Thefollowing trustees have always complained about Mr.De La Rosa working overtime, even though it isjustifiable as he responds to after work houremergencies.

○ Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr.○ Ciro Calderon○ Enrique Alvarado

These Trustees have constantly questioned thelegitimacy of the monthly overtime incurred by Mr.Chris De La Rosa, and his Maintenance andOperations employees. In March of 2016, thePersonnel and Commission Office along with legalcounsel confirmed that supervisors need to be paidovertime for extra hours worked past their scheduledeight-hour shifts (see attached).

It is important to note that there are somesupervisors that in spite of working above andbeyond their eight hour shifts, they prefer not tosubmit time cards or be compensated for overtime asthey are afraid of being retaliated against by TrusteesLorenzo Calderon Jr. and Ciro Calderon.❏ Dario Espinoza, Warehouse and

Transportation Supervisor.❏ Maribel Paez, Business Manager

● On February 11, 2021, at the Regularly ScheduledBoard Meeting, Mr. Cesar Vega, AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, was asked topresent the agendized Maintenance and OperationsReport. Mr. Vega asked Mr. De La Rosa to beavailable via zoom to respond to any technicalquestions the Board may have in regards to hisdepartment. (See item #6).

○ The Board Meeting was abruptly stopped byBoard President Ciro Calderon in retaliation

21

against Mr. Cesar Vega and Mr. Chris De LaRosa for presenting the Maintenance andOperations update together.

9. ● Prior to Item #8, above, On 1/4/2021, Chris De LaRosa reached out via email to Carlos Gonzales to setup a meeting with Ciro Calderon to discuss defamingcomments made by Ciro Calderon about Chris De LaRosa and other behavior Ciro Calderon has beeninvolved in. Email of 1/4/21.

Defamation of Character(slander)

● Allegation of defamingcomments against ChrisDe La Rosa by CiroCalderon.

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● CarlosGonzales

10. ● On 12/17/20, Superintendent Carlos Gonzales metwith Mr. Dario Espinoza, Transportation andWarehouse Supervisor. Mr. Espinoza requested thismeeting to bring forward a number of demoralizingconcerns regarding Board President Ciro Calderon.

Mr. Dario Espinoza explained that Trustee CiroCalderon was making allegations (Slander) that thesupervisors (Mr. Chris De La Rosa and Mr. DarioEspinoza) were stealing rye grass seed. SEE ITEM #32 and #8

● Mr. Dario Espinoza stated that his brother, JerryEspinoza, was told directly by Trustee Ciro Calderonthat the supervisors were stealing the grass seed.

● Board President Ciro Calderon denied thisaccusation during his January 6, 2021, meeting withMr. Chris de la Rosa, Maintenance and OperationsSupervisor.

● Mr. Dario Espinoza informed Superintendent CarlosGonzales that Board President Ciro Calderon did notknow that Jerry Espinoza and Dario Espinoza arebrothers.

● Mr. Dario Espinoza further shared that BoardPresident Ciro Calderon passed multiple times in

● Defamation ofCharacter (slander)

● False Allegations ofTheft

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4030 -Nondiscrimination inEmployment “TheGoverning Board isdetermined toprovide districtemployees and jobapplicants a safe,positive environmentwhere they areassured of full andequal employmentaccess andopportunities,protection fromharassment orintimidation, andfreedom from anyfear of reprisal orretribution forasserting theiremployment rights inaccordance with

● Dario Espinoza wasvery upset and couldn’tbelieve that someonewas going aroundmaking false allegationsagainst him ruining hisreputation, especially asa board member.

● At the time, Dario didnot want to file acomplaint, howeverwanted to make Mr.Gonzales aware, incase it happened again.

● DarioEspinoza

● JerryEspinoza

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● CarlosGonzales

22

front of his house, staring and acknowledging him asif he was looking at the lawn.

law.”

11. ● On 12/2/2020, Board President Ciro Calderon,questioned Carlos Gonzales via email on thepurchase of the Plasma Air Filtration Systems, whichwere ordered under Emergency Authority Resolution3-32-20.

The Purchase of the Air Filtration Systems werediscussed and pre-approved by prior BoardPresident Mr. Richard Romero, and was reviewed byImperial County Office of Education, Dr. Todd Finnell,County Superintendent (See Attached). As part ofthe Superintendents daily Board Updates, thepurchase of the Plasma Air Purifiers was shared on12/02/2020. See email on 12-2-2020.

● On 10/19/20, HVAC Technician Manual O’Campoand Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, ChrisDe La Rosa, highly recommended that we installplasma air ionization technology to all our HVACunits to help the district mitigate the impact ofCOVID-19 in our facilities (See Attached)

● On 12/9/20, Trustee Ciro Calderon sent an email toSuperintendent, Mr. Carlos Gonzales, requesting anupdate for the next board meeting on payments toArctic Air for the last 3 years, how many AirConditioners were replaced by Arctic Air, whodetermined the replacement of the Air Conditioners,Where are the faulty AC units and why CarlosGonzales purchased Air Filters under the emergencyorders. Email of 12/9/21.

● This information was provided to Trustee CiroCalderon by Superintendent Carlos Gonzales on9/24/20 via email, which included then BoardPresident Richard Romero. This proves that Trustee

● Violation of BoardPolicy 0470 -Covid-19 MitigationPlan

● Undermining theauthority of theSuperintendentduring the COVID-19pandemic.

● Questioning theefforts of theExecutive Team toprovide a healthyand safeenvironment forstudents and staff.

● RichardRomero

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● CesarVega

● ManuelO’Campo

23

Ciro Calderon requests information and does notbother to read it. It also demonstrates there hasbeen information provided on Arctic Air since9/24/20, which Trustee Ciro Calderon claims not tohave any information on in the summary ofconference given to Carlos R. Gonzales. ITEM # 4.

● On January 14, 2021, at the Board’s RegularlyScheduled Board Meeting, Mr. Vega and his teampresented to the Board of Trustees a presentation(See Attached) on the following topics:

○ HVAC Expenditures○ Overtime Concerns○ Contracts Administration

The purpose of this presentation was to respond toBoard Clerk Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr. and BoardPresident Mr. Ciro Calderon concerns on thesetopics. Helping me present on these various topicswere:

○ Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, Mr.Chris De La Rosa

○ Warehouse and Transportation Supervisor,Mr. Dario Espinoza

○ Accounting Supervisor, Ms. Fabiola Calderon○ Business Manager, Ms. Maribel Paez○ Assistant Superintendent of Human

Resources and Risk Management, Dr. BrianThurman

○ Personnel and Commission, Director, Ms.Esther Martinez

■ January 14, 2021, Board MeetingRecording. Item J6.

● On January 15, 2021, The Imperial Valley Presswrote an article regarding reopening of schools inlight of the recent pandemic. In this article, Board

24

President Ciro Calderon talked about how the districthad worked on installing HVAC technology to makethe air inside classrooms cleaner, and taking credit.Ciro Calderon, along with Lorenzo Calderon oftentake the credit for the work that the executive teamand other administrators do.Article in the Imperial Valley Press.

● On December 9, 2020, Board President CiroCalderon questioned via email why SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales, and his administration for takingthe necessary steps to ensure the safety of staff and,eventually, of students. In his email Mr. Ciro Calderonstated:

○ “Those emergency filters that you decided tobuy under the emergency orders we grantedyou...please have a detailed report as to howand why you decided to buy those filtersknowing that it was not an emergency sinceyou were fully aware that we are not comingback to school in the near future.” This isanother incident (See Item 12 below) in whichTrustee Ciro Calderon undermines the effortsof district administration.

District administration, along with siteadministration and staff, participated in thedevelopment of the Reopening plan since thesummer of 2020.

The Board was kept abreast of these efforts.See email sent to the board on 8-3-20, emailon 8-5-20, email on 8-10-20, email on 9-3-20

12. ● On 11-17-2020, Hortencia Armendariz reported toElisa Ramirez that Trustee Ciro Calderon visitedMains Elementary School, unannounced and without

● Violation of BoardPolicy Board Policy0470 - Covid-19

● Causing confusion andquestioning thereopening planning with

● HortenciaArmendariz

25

consent of the Superintendent, and told the siteprincipal why they were moving furniture andquestioned the reopening check list given to allprincipals. He assured Nena Noriega, “We were notopening this year.” Email of 11-17-20.

● This is another incident of Ciro Calderon underminingthe efforts of district administration. Districtadministration, along with site administration andstaff, participated in the development of theReopening plan since the summer of 2020. TheBoard was kept abreast of these efforts. See emailsent to the board on 8-3-20, email on 8-5-20, emailon 8-10-20, email on 9-3-20

Mitigation Plan● Administration

oversees theoperation of theschool sites.

● Undermining theauthority of theSuperintendentduring the COVID-19pandemic.

● Questioning theefforts of theExecutive Team toprovide a healthyand safeenvironment forstudents and staff.

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Unless agreed to bythe Board as awhole, individualmembers of theBoard shall notexercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools or commandthe services of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent.”

● Violation of

school siteadministrators.

● NenaNoriega

● ElisaRamirez

● CarlosGonzales

26

California EducationCode Section 35292:“The governingboard of any schooldistrict shall visiteach school in itsdistrict at least onceeach term, andexamine carefullyinto themanagement, needs,and conditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

13.● On 1/11/2021, As a result of Maintenance and

Operations Supervisor, Mr. Chris De La Rosa’s claimregarding unlawful closed session discussions duringthe January 6, 2021, conflict resolution (See ITEM#8) session, district’s attorney Amy Estrada sent theBoard of Trustees an email, as a reminder of theBrown Act confidentiality issue, since we were notable to hold a retreat in the month of January aspreviously requested by Superintendent CarlosGonzales to the board. Email to the board on1/11/2021. CUSD Approved Board Meeting Calendar

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● Lack ofConfidentiality

● Board membershave failed to meetfor board retreats.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9400 - BoardSelf-Evaluation:

● Not following the boardmeeting calendar.

● AmyEstrada

● CarlosGonzales

● Chris DeLa Rosa

27

showing agreed board retreat dates.● In spite of the e-mail sent by the district's legal

counsel (Amy Estrada) on January 11, 2021, therecontinues to be more Brown Act violations, such asthe following.

○ The day after the Board’s Special BoardMeeting on April 19, 2021, information thatwas shared with the Board in closed-sessionwas shared with a member of the community.See ITEM #35. See ITEM #19

“The Board ofEducation shallannually conduct aself-evaluation inorder todemonstrateaccountability to thecommunity andensure that districtgovernanceeffectively supportsstudentachievement andthe attainment ofthe district's visionand goals.”

14. ● On 9/24/20, Superintendent Carlos Gonzales sent anemail responding to Trustee Ciro Calderon andincluded then Board President Richard Romero,regarding a series of complaints filed by Trustee CiroCalderon via email.

Superintendent, Carlos Gonzales never received aresponse by Trustee Ciro Calderon on any of thefindings of the investigation, which included thefollowing topics: Response to Complaints,Complaints, CUSD AC Units, HVAC Purchases,AssetMax HVAC Inventory and MO Study Findings.

● On September 24, 2020, Superintendent CarlosGonzales via email responded to the concerns filedby Trustee Ciro Calderon 9/24/20 via email. Includedin this email was the Board President RichardRomero. Trustee Ciro Calderon has a tendency ofmaking requests for information but he never readsit. It further demonstrates that Superintendent Carlos

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “IndividualBoard members donot have theauthority to resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so that

● No response provided byCiro Calderon, after theemail sent on 9-24-20. Ahard copy of theresponse was placed ina sealed envelope in hisbox at the District Office.

● These are the sameissues that continueresurfacing to this date.

● CarlosGonzales

● RichardRomero

28

Gonzales and his team have provided informationrelated to Arctic Air since September 24, 2020, whichMr. Ciro Calderon claims he has not received in hissummary of conference given to SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales. ITEM # 4.

● This is another example of how Board President CiroCalderon continues to bring back past complaints,does not follow up, and does not follow properprocedures of school board members. This leads tothe perception he is trying to set up Carlos Gonzalesfor a bad evaluation.

the problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”

15. ● On 01/27/2021, The Board of Trustees, unanimously,voted to not allow any of the district’s facilities usedas vaccination centers. As a result, Board PresidentCiro Calderon, gave direction to the administration toget in contact with Jeff Lamoore, Deputy Director atthe Imperial County Health Department after theboard had voted no.

● On 2/11/2021, Board President Ciro Calderonbrought back the same item for discussion, and forthe second time, it was denied by the rest of theBoard, and they questioned why it was broughtback?

● On 2/04/2021, during Agenda review with BoardPresident Ciro Calderon and Superintendent CarlosGonzales, Trustee Calderon was reminded of theBoard’s decision to deny access to facilities for thepurpose of being used as vaccination centers.However, Board President Calderon askedadministration to proceed with his request of puttingback this same item on the agenda. This is anotherexample of how Board President Ciro Calderoncontinues to not follow board directives and has hisown personal agenda.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “Unlessagreed to by theBoard as a whole,individual membersof the Board shallnot exercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools or commandthe services of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent.”

● Fails to followagreed upon boarddirectives and hashis own personalagenda.

● Confusion with theAdministrative team ondirection of the board.

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CesarVega

29

16. ● On 7-13-2020, after interviews for the Coordinator ofExpanded Learning, Trustee Ciro Calderon called theAssistant Superintendent of Human Resources andRisk Management, Dr. Brian Thurman, atapproximately 9:00 P.M., to ask who the finalrecommended candidate will be for this position.

Trustee Ciro Calderon expressed significantdisappointment and said that he knows there isfavoritism taking place involving SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales and members of his church.

Brian Thurman explained to Trustee Ciro Calderonthat throughout all hiring processes, since he startedin this position, there has been no evidence ofanyone manipulating the hiring process of theHuman Resources Department at any time.Furthermore, Dr. Thurman further requested that ifTrustee Ciro Calderon had any information about themanipulation of any processes within HumanResources that this information be provided rightaway.

● Carlos Gonzales received a text from Ciro Calderonon 7-15-20 upset regarding the recommendedcandidate for the Coordinator of Expanded Learningposition, making the following allegations, “You guysare becoming more and more blatant about yourfavoritism and nepotism at the district office.”

● Email to Amy Estrada on 1-27-2020 RE Texts fromCiro Calderon with other derogatory remarks towardthe Superintendent's religion.

● On multiple occasions, when an agenda item on newhires comes up, Trustee Ciro Calderon questions“Who is he/she related to?”. Making assumptions,(without evidence or any other input) that theExecutive Team has preference and/or favoritism forcandidates (

etc).● On 9-12-18 Ciro Calderon emailed Carlos Gonzales

● Per Board Policy4030 -Nondiscrimination inEmployment

● Hostile WorkEnvironment

● Violation of (Title 2California Code ofRegulations 2 CCRSec. 11006 -Discrimination inEmployment)

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscrimination basedon race, color,religion, sex andnational origin.

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4111–Recruitment andSelection “The Boardof Education desiresto employ the mosthighly qualified andappropriate personavailable for eachopen position inorder to improve

● No information has everbeen provided regardingthe allegations offavoritism between theSupt and his church.

● Not honoring theexpertise of districtadministrators, teachers,classified staff.

● Failure to follow theestablished hiringprocess.

● Creating a hostile workenvironment (Religion)

● CarlosGonzales

● BrianThurman

● ElisaRamirez

30

a series of complaints and in one item accusedCarlos Gonzales of favoritism towards administrators,specifically and . Theboard had approved in previous board meetings

and asteachers. Both Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderonhave made accusations of favoring candidates anddiscrediting the hiring process even when they weretold that each site team interviews and makes theirown recommendation without the participation ofexecutive team presence with the exception of BrianThurman who attends as HR Rep, but has not votedfor any candidate. Yet, when there are candidatesrelated or good friends to board members, they donot question or challenge the executive cabinet(Mayra Molina for principal -related to LorenzoCalderon, Siria Hurtado - related to LorenzoCalderon).

● Lorenzo Calderon has gone as far as informingCarlos Gonzales that there was a “rumor” thatGabrielle Williams, CHS Principal, was “saving” ateaching position for Samantha Ramirez, daughter ofElisa Ramirez. Elisa Ramirez has a strong belief thatthis “rumor” came from Anna Alvarado, administrativeassistant to Gabrielle Williams. Anna Alvarado is avery, very close friend of Lorenzo Calderon and hiswife. Her daughter had been subbing in the mathclass that supposedly was being “saved” forSamantha Ramirez. This was completelyunsubstantiated as Samantha Ramirez was barelyenrolling in teacher credential courses and wasnowhere ready to hold a teaching job nor interestedin pursuing a mathematics teaching position.

● They have ridiculed the recommendation of theexecutive cabinet. They give no credence to theprocess that is set up. They do not have educationalexpertise and the executive team expertise is oftendisqualified. They often bring the candidate'spersonal information when discussing the

student achievementand efficiency indistrict operations.”“No person shall beemployed by theBoard without therecommendation orendorsement of theSuperintendent ordesignee.”

31

recommendation. This personal information shouldnot be brought up during the hiring process. Theyhave their own hidden agenda and try to advocate fortheir friends or acquaintances, completely dismissingthe interviewing panel’s recommendation who havethe educational expertise. Then they turn around andaccuse the executive team of favoritism and“compadrismo”.

17. ● On 9/11/2020, Trustee Ciro Calderon emailedSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales, to advise him thathe had changed his mind regarding hiring the newprincipal at Rockwood Elementary School in spite ofthe Board officially approving the recommendedcandidate on September 10, 2020. Email of9-11-2020

● The announcement had been made to the RockwoodElementary School staff and the new Principal hadalready signed her contract. Email of 9-11-2020.

● This is another example of how. They have ridiculedthe recommendation of the executive cabinet. Theygive no credence to the process that is set up. Theydo not have educational expertise and the executiveteam’s expertise is often disqualified. They oftenbring the candidate's personal information whendiscussing the recommendation. This personalinformation should not be brought up during thehiring process. They have their own hidden agendaand try to advocate for their friends or acquaintances,completely dismissing the interviewing panel’srecommendation who have the educationalexpertise. Then they turn around and accuse theexecutive team of favoritism and “compadrismo”.

● Per Board Policy4111–Recruitmentand Selection

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Not honoring theexpertise of districtadministrators,teachers, classifiedstaff.

● Failure to follow theestablished hiringprocess.

● CarlosGonzales

● BrianThurman

18. ● On 10/4/2019, at approximately 9:51 P.M.,Superintendent Carlos Gonzales received a textmessage from Trustee Enrique Alvarado with a

● Underminedexecutive cabinetinvestigation

● CarlosGonzales

● Cesar

32

picture of the letters “FDT” painted on Ward Field andhe was asking why were the initials placed on thefield tonight?

● On 10/4/2019, at approximately 9:54 pm, CarlosGonzales received a text from Ciro Calderon stating:

I got another text from another board memberasking why MO [M&O] is allowed to use thefield for political purposes? Supposedly[,] itmeans Fuck Donald Trump? Unlike TrusteeEnrique Alvarado, Trustee Ciro Calderonmade assumptions and was accusing theMaintenance and Operations Department.

The Maintenance and OperationsDepartment, especially the Maintenance andOperations Supervisor, is constantly accusedand retaliated against by Trustee CiroCalderon.

● On 10/9/2019, Trustee Ciro Calderon sentSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales an email with aresponse alleging corruption of districtadministrators. Trustee Ciro Calderon was still not inagreement with the findings of the FDT investigation.Email of 10-9-19. It seemed as if he was trying to getsomeone (retaliation towards M&O) for this incidentthat was completely unsubstantiated.

● Retaliation● Defamation of

Character (libel)● Violation of Board

Bylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

Vega● Chris De

La Rosa● John

Moreno

19. ● District administrators have been accused of beingretaliatory when in fact evidence shows that TrusteesCiro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon Jr. havedemonstrated retaliatory conduct towardsadministrators, staff, and service providers asexplained in various areas of this document.

● Many of these discussions have taken place inclosed session without this being agendized orinforming the employee.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken on

● Not following thecomplaint Procedure

● Excessive time hasbeen spent compilinginformation to;

○ Investigate○ Interview staff○ Compile reports

● Chris de laRosa

● BrisaHuertaPrice

● DennisPrice

● Mei Randle● Maria

Bravo

33

○ CTE teachers (questioning extra hours andabsences): When reviewing CertificatedEmployment Report, Trustees LorenzoCalderon, Ciro Calderon and EnriqueAlvarado constantly question all the extrahours that CTE teachers, in particular, have inthe report. On multiple occasions Dr. BrianThurman, Assistant Superintendent of HumanResources, has explained that all extra hoursare part of the grant plan and have beenpre-approved. Board members are upset thatthe CTE teachers receive many hours forplanning and begin to question theirattendance.

○ During the May 23, 2019, Board MeetingTrustees Lorenzo Calderon, Ciro Calderon,and Enrique Alvarado requested the AssistantSuperintendent of Educational Services, ElisaRamirez, to bring a report of absences onlyfor CTE teachers. Ms. Ramirez shared shewould bring a report with all certificatedabsences and they replied only wanting tosee CTE teachers. Ms. Ramirez presentedthe attendance report during the June 6, 2019board meeting.

○ During the September 19, 2019, BoardMeeting Cesar Chavez Elementary School,Board Members questioned Elisa Ramirez,Assistant Superintendent of EducationalServices by stating that this information wasnot shared with them and Ms. Ramirezexplained she had shared it back on May, 23,2019 meeting.

○ Mr. Chris De La Rosa, Maintenance andOperations Supervisor - During the 2015-16school year there were discussions regardingthe stipend for supervisors in lieu of hourlyovertime pay. Item was agendized for regular

any item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction.

● Violation of GovCode 54957 (2)Brown Act -Meetings Discusscomplaint againstemployees duringclosed sessionwithout notifyingemployee

● Retaliation● Defamation of

Character (slanderand Libel)

● Violation of Bylaw9011: Disclosure ofconfidential/privileged information.

● UnderminedExecutive Cabinetwork, investigations,authority

● Violation of GovCode 54957 (2)Brown Act -Meetings Discusscomplaint againstemployees duringclosed sessionwithout notifyingemployee

● “As a condition toholding a closedsession on specific

● Undermining executivecabinet and otheradministrators work,authority andinvestigations

● The majority of theitems have beenunsubstantiated.

● Not able to establishpartnerships withvendors without beingaccused of favoringcertain vendors.

● MariaAmbriz

● GabrielleWilliams

● JoanHanson

● AlejandraLimon

34

meeting approval, however, CSEA leadershipspoke against the item and it was tabled onBoard Meeting 2-25-16. Legal counsel wasconsulted and

Chris submittedtime cards as directed by then AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, MeiRandle, however, Trustee Lorenzo Calderonwas very, very upset.

○ After this, discussions of overtime, onlyrelated to the Maintenance and OperationsDepartment (supervised by Chris De LaRosa), were always a sensitive topic forTrustees Lorenzo Calderon Jr. and CiroCalderon. Other departments’ overtime wasnever mentioned during Board meetings.

○ Another incident took place on a Saturday inwhich the Maintenance and OperationsDepartment were working at Ward Field(football stadium at Calexico High School)when staff noticed a drone flying over the fieldand immediately called their Maintenance andOperations Supervisor, Mr. Chris de la Rosastating they felt that someone was monitoringtheir work. Mr. De La Rosa was informed byG. Smooth from GT Grandstands that it wasTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. and his sonflying the drone. Mr. De La Rosa greetedTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. and his son,and shared that his employees did notappreciate video being taken of them. Mr. DeLa Rosa explained that his team was notnotified that they would be accessing thefields. Chris shared via an email on 6-10-17that he was dismayed that this type ofbehavior is continuing considering that he hadalready filed a letter of complaint against

complaints orcharges broughtagainst anemployee byanother person oremployee, theemployee shall begiven written noticeof his or her right tohave the complaintsor charges heard inan open sessionrather than a closedsession, whichnotice shall bedelivered to theemployeepersonally or bymail at least 24hours before thetime for holding thesession. If notice isnot given, anydisciplinary or otheraction taken by thelegislative bodyagainst theemployee based onthe specificcomplaints orcharges in theclosed session shallbe null and void”

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

35

Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. for harassmentand creating a hostile work environment andhad also filed

. On 6-13-17 Chris sent another emailstating that he was sending thiscommunication in hopes of addressing thepast concerns and current hostile workingenvironment he was experiencing in his roleas Maintenance and Operations Supervisor.He stated that he had submitted on severaloccasions the willingness to settle hisgrievances against Trustee Lorenzo CalderonJr. amicably. Mr. De La Rosa further statedthat it was apparent that there was no interestin listening to what he had to say. Mr. De LaRosa shared it was conveyed to him thatTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. would meet withhim with the condition of having the AssistantSuperintendent of Educational Services, Ms.Elisa Ramirez, there in attendance duringtheir meeting. This was not acceptable to Mr.De La Rosa because he had concerns as towhy Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was settingconditions that will involve an additionalmember of the Executive Cabinet, especiallysince then Assistant Superintendent ofHuman Resources, Mr. Carlos Gonzales wasalready abreast of his concerns and hadalready participated in the initial inquiry andinformation gathering at his first meeting. Mr.De La Rosa stated that he assumed that hisinvitation to meet with then Vice President ofthe Board, Lorenzo Calderon Jr., had goneunaccepted. In this email Mr. De La Rosaalso stated that he had been experiencing

and with recentactions taken at recent board meetings wherethe Board of Education has installed thepractice of Micro Management and had

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscriminationbased on race,color, religion, sexand national origin.

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4111–Recruitment andSelection

● UnderminingExecutive TeamWork

36

become fearful for his employment due toretaliation.

○ As a result, Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. wasvery upset with this situation. In the end,Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. did ask theAssistant Superintendent of EducationalServices, Ms. Elisa Ramirez to be a witnessto a meeting where Mr. Chris De La Rosa,Maria Ambriz (superintendent at the time) andTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. would bepresent.

○ There are multiple references on thisdocument related to retaliatory behaviorstowards Mr. Chris de la Rosa (e.g. SEEITEMS 6, 8, 9, 19, 21, 32)

○ On 2-11-2021, Mr. Chris De La Rosa - ClosedSession Discussion on working out of classpayment request was not supposed to gointo details because it was not agendizedaccordingly. DWK legal counsel (Ellen Wuand Jon Pearl) texted Dr. Brian Thurman,Assistant Superintendent of HumanResources, stating that Board attorney AmyEstrada should not allow the conversation tocontinue and discuss employees, and to tellSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales to stop theconversations. See ITEM 13 This is anotherexample of violation of the Brown Act andGov. Code 54957.

○

37

○

○ This is another example of board membersnot trusting district administration.

38

○ Brisa-Huerta Price Board Meeting June 20,2019 (minute 58:50) Trustee Ciro Calderon, inopen session, accused SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales of not telling his directorshow to handle personnel matters. TrusteeCiro Calderon claimed to have receivedcomplaints (via text) regarding the ASESDirector. Instead of following the District’scomplaint procedure, Trustee Ciro Calderonread this complaint out loud assuming thecomplaints were substantiated, defaming bothSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales and Ms.Brisa Huerta-Price’s character (Slander/Libel).

○ Allegations regarding Audra White wereunsubstantiated. He also made a falseaccusation that this “had gone long enough”.These allegations were investigated by BrianThurman and Elisa Ramirez and were foundto be unsubstantiated. Brisa Huerta hasconstantly been questioned during boardmeetings while other items are not questionedin detail. Brisa Huerta Price felt harassed byCiro Calderon. She reported to CarlosGonzales on July 10, 2019 and later withCarlos Gonzales and the Board President atthe time Michael Castillo on July 16, 2019 thatshe felt harassed and intimidated by CiroCalderon’s comments and treatment duringboard meeting open sessions. She wantedfor this behavior to stop and if it continuedshe would file a written complaint.

○ She also expressed fear of retaliation.Michael Castillo assured her she would not beretaliated and that he would address this withthe board. This information, which wassupposed to be confidential, was later sharedby Ciro Calderon to Darla Dreesen, ACTpresident. See ITEM 51.

39

○

.In a separate incident, on Jan. 7, 2021 CiroCalderon called Elisa Ramirez asking whyDennis Price was lowering the high schoolgraduation requirements for our specialeducation students. Elisa Ramirez explainedthat Dennis was not lowering therequirements and that depending on eachstudent IEP, the IEP team can determine if astudent can fulfil the district’s graduationrequirements or if they need to be adjusted

40

and complete at minimum the state-mandatedgraduation course requirement. Ciro Calderonworks as a counselor, and is aware that thestate has set minimum graduationrequirements. Even though he hasknowledge of this, he still requested to seeboard policies or other legal sources showingthat IEP can trump Ed Code or Board Policy.Elisa Ramirez never stated that IEP’s trumpEd Code. Ciro Calderon claimed that acounselor sent him an email where DennisPrices stated that SPED students did nothave to meet the high school requirements.Elisa Ramirez asked if he could share theemail with her because the email wasmisinterpreted, especially when Elisa Ramirezhad attended a meeting with Dennis Priceand confirmed what she had expressed toCiro Calderon. Ciro refused to share the emailor name of contact. Elisa Ramirez sentBP6146.4, BP0430 and SPED slide ongraduation requirements plus additionalinformation to Ciro Calderon on January 7,2021. On January 8, 2021 Elisa Ramirezattended a counselors meeting and DennisPrice shared the same information to thecounselors (that Elisa Ramirez had explainedto Ciro Calderon). Counselors were told thatthe expectation walking into an IEP meetingis that students have to fulfil the district's highschool requirements and only if, during anIEP meeting the team determines that astudent cannot fulfill the requirements, theteam may adjust the requirements ensuringthey meet the state-mandated graduationrequirements. Ciro still insisted, as per AmyEstrada email, on placing on a board agendaan item on a potential litigation case. Duringthe February 11, 2021 board meeting, the

41

item was added and the District had DennisPrice and Ernest Bell, AALRR attorney,present at the meeting during closed sessionand not one single question was asked. Webelieve Ciro Calderon acted in retaliatorybehavior against Dennis Price, just as he hasdone for Brisa Huerta-Price and now hasinvolved ACT President Darla Dreesen. Cirois constantly using others to support him inthese types of retaliatory actions. SEE ITEM51 and and 35.

○

○ Academic Support Teachers: Trustee EnriqueAlavarado expressed concerns about theCesar Chavez Elementary Academic SupportTeacher (AST) and assumed all ASTs werenot performing well. Elisa Ramirez said shewould contact the site principal to solicit moreinformation. Elisa contacted Mayra Molina,site principal, to see how her AST wasworking and if she had any complaints. Mayra

42

Molina explained she had no concerns andeverything was well. As a result of thisconcern expressed by Enrique Alavardo, theBoard on multiple occasions have expressedwanting to eliminate the AST positions. ElisaRamirez has shared on multiple occasionsthat our AST’s do an excellent job, but ourBoard members, who have very littleinstructional knowledge, continue toundermine the work that the ExecutiveCabinet does.

○ Alejandra Limon - Was the recommendedcandidate selected after a paper screeningprocess of all applicants and then 2 differentpanels of District administrators with variousquestions about attributes needed to theDirector of Special Projects position. Ms.Limon was the highest scoring candidate andunanimously (by both panels ofadministrators) was recommended for theposition due to her overall experience, heranswers to the questions related to the jobduties and her prior experience as a Districtleader. When she was recommended to theBoard in closed session, Mr. Calderon Jr. saidhe was uncomfortable with this candidatebecause he had a ‘problem’ with her when hisson was at Jefferson School when he was inElementary School. This took place over 10years ago.

○

43

Also, there had been a prior issue betweenMrs. Limon and Mr. Calderon Jr. when heasked her to make special arrangements foran athlete who didn’t have the grades tocompete in competition. She did not complyand instead, recommended tutoring for theathlete in order to become eligible toparticipate.

○ Mr. Calderon should have recused himselffrom this discussion since he had so manypast ‘issues’ with this particular candidate.Lorenzo Calderon along with Ciro Calderonhave ridiculed the recommendation of theexecutive cabinet. They give no credence tothe process that is set up. They do not haveeducational expertise and the executive teamexpertise is often disqualified. They oftenbring the candidate's personal informationwhen discussing the recommendation. Thispersonal information should not be broughtup during the hiring process. They have theirown hidden agenda and try to advocate fortheir friends or acquaintances, completelydismissing the interviewing panel’srecommendation who have the educationalexpertise. Then they turn around and accusethe executive team of favoritism and“compadrismo”.

○ Additionally, for several years Mr. Calderon Jr.applied constant pressure to Mrs. Limonregarding her Migrant Program questioningher actions and her budget expenditures, ofwhich there was never an issue, concern orfinding. It’s been very clear that Mr. CalderonJr. has been attempting to make thingsdifficult for Mrs. Limon for several years.

○

44

CiroCalderon is known for believing everycomplaint that goes to him and assumes thatcomplaints are true and does not trust districtor site administration’s investigations.

○ Mei Randle,

45

.○ During one board meeting, in closed

sessions, Mei Randle was going to provideinformation to the board when Ciro told her“Be quiet, nobody asked you”. Mei respondedthat she was the CBO and it was herresponsibility to keep the board informed.Ciro replied back, “I don’t care, you are not aboard member so be quiet. Mei Randlementioned that she felt mistreated anddisrespected in every term. And did not knowif they did not like her because she was awoman or because of the color of her skin.Similar to Maria Ambriz, she was shut downand kicked out of the closed session on manyoccasions. As stated before they were verydismissive of the executive team, butespecially to women, in both closed and opensessions.

○ During various closed session items MeiRandle gave budget reports and providedrecommendations.

46

During onemeeting Ciro Calderon went as far as tellingher to “Be Quiet” because she was trying, asa CBO, to inform the board about financesand Ciro Calderon did not want to hear aboutit. Mei Randle felt undermined as the expertof finances and appreciated as a CBO.

○ She expressed on various occasions she wastired of Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon’stoxic treatment and decided to leave herposition and seek other opportunities. Similarto Maria Ambriz, the district lost two strongexecutive team female leaders.

○

47

○ Maria Ambriz (harassment, hostile) DuringMaria Ambriz’s term as superintendent(2012-2017) Ciro Calderon and LorenzoCalderon created a hostile work environmentfor her and her executive team. She alwaysexpressed concerns of harassment andintimidation. The board would constantlyviolate the Brown Act during closed sessionsand even though they had been trained theycontinued to do this. Before every singleboard meeting the executive team would seeher suffer emotional distress. She would cry,pray and even vomit. On multiple occasionsduring board meeting sessions, the executiveteam would be asked to step out and theyspent 30 to 60 minutes in a closed sessionwith her. As they walked out Maria Ambriz

48

would turn to us nodding her head with anupset expression. Also during closedsessions Ciro Calderon and LorenzoCalderon would interrupt her, raise their voiceover her voice or not allow her to speak.They were rude and very unprofessional.

○ Maria Ambriz was constantly humiliated. Weknow the level of hurt and disrespect that theydropped on her. They made her life a livinghell as superintendent. Had never worked in aplace where we had to leave in anenvironment of insults. Very Machoperspective. Ciro would scream and yell ather over the phone. Someone in the roomcould hear him from far.

○ Maria Ambriz was terminated asSuperintendent the night of October 27, 2017,months before her contract ended. There wasno reason for her termination and Mariaexpressed to the team that she felt herdisrimination was gender based andretaliatory. Maria Ambriz submitted a claimagainst the District which was concluded witha settlement. Similar to Mei Randle, thedistrict lost two strong executive team femaleleaders.

○ Site Administrators (fear of losing their jobsand feeling threatened by two boardmembers, Ciro Calderon and LorenzoCalderon Jr., expressed wanting to leave thedistrict).

○ On June 26, 2017 Gabrielle Wlliams, principalof Calexico High School, emailed ElisaRamirez requesting a letter ofrecommendation. In the email Elisa Ramirezasked where she was wanting to go andstated in spanish “No te me vayas” (don’tleave me). Gabrielle Williams responds that

49

she was “worried about her job”. She hadexpressed feelings constantly questioned byLorenzo Calderon and Ciro Calderon. Shealso shared at a later date that Ciro Calderonwould call her almost every day, sometimesmultiple times a day and then began to callher on weekends. She shared she was afraidof not answering his calls because she felt hewould be upset.

○ Joan Hanson, former Dool principal, appliedto the principalship at Dool Elementary. Herrecommendation went to the board at a7-23-15 board meeting. During the closedsession, Ciro Calderon made negativecomments to her persona. After Joan Hansonwas hired, she was sexually harassed by CiroCalderon. Joan Hanson refused to date him.Ciro then began to date teachers that workedat Dool and we believe he did it to get closeto Joan Hanson or harass her. He once madea comment to Elisa Ramirez that JoanHanson was a “Guera apretada” (stuck upblonde). On 10-8-15 Ciro Calderon donatedan Apple TV for Dool Elementary and wouldadvocate for anything that Dool needed astrying to impress either Joan Hanson or theteachers from Dool he was dating.

○ Around April of 2018 Joan Hanson requesteda letter of recommendation from ElisaRamirez. She had expressed being worriedabout her job security, specifically related toCiro Calderon. Elisa Ramirez sent her theletter of recommendation on April 9, 2018.Joan Hanson ended up leaving the district onJune 23, 2019 to take a similar position,elementary principal, in the neighboring city ofEl Centro, Ca.This is another example of a strong femaleadministrator leaving our district due to fear of

50

job stability caused by Ciro Calderonharassment and intimidation.

Negative behavior towards consultants/companieswith accusations favoritism.

○ Jimmy Sanders○ John Dominguez (Lorenzo - False

accusations)○ Afterschool Unlimited. Still question even

though our current Expanded LearningCoordinator shared Afterschool Unlimitedprogram is a great program. April 22, 2021Board Meeting Recording. See minute1:25:40 June 14, 2018 Board MeetingRecording See minute 1:37:00 August 10,2017 Board Meeting See minute 35:59 April6, 2017 Board Meeting see minute 1:34:34

○ Climatec○ Oakview○ Arctic Air○ Parron Hall○ Security Patrol Services

20. ● Intimidating/Threatening/Discriminatory - WorkEnvironment

○ On May 23, 2019, Carlos Gonzales was outdue to medical reasons and Elisa Ramirezwas filling in as the Superintendent. It wasBrian Thurman’s first board meeting closedsession meeting and Cesar Vega was alsofairly new. Lorenzo Calderon was upset at aminor incident and made a comment that ifthings “like this happen you will never beSuperintendents in this district”. Elisa Ramireztook this statement not only as a threat but asgender discrimination since, at the time, shewas taking the lead of the district and hadalso experienced the gender discrimation

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscriminationbased on race,color, religion,sex/gender andnational origin.

● Intimidation● Undermining

● Intimidating behavior ● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CesarVega

51

towards her colleagues Maria Ambriz and MeiRandle. See ITEM #19.

○ Lorenzo and Ciro are disrespectful and raisetheir voice over executive team member’svoices in order to interrupt and do not allowfor superintendent or executive members tofinish their point in any discussion. All of thishappens in closed sessions.

Executive Teamwork

21. ● False Accusations○ Lorenzo Calderon claimed that 8 CHS vice

principals had been “fired” and had a list. Thisis a false statement.

○ On the December 14, 2020 Special Boardmeeting, Lorenzo claimed that many peoplehave been overpaid. (e.g. Chris De La Rosaand Erika Serrano) and that administrationdoes not have a process in place for checksand balances.

○ Elisa Ramirez and Cesar were texting eachother due to false accusations Text betweenCesar and Elisa

○ These continual false statements underminethe ability, work and credibility of theexecutive team to running the districtefficiently.

● False Accusations● Undermining

Executive TeamWork

● False statement thatputs the district in aposition of lackingprocesses in place forcheck and balances.

● Of the previous 6administrators who hadworked at the highschool, only oneadministrator wasreleased/resigned.

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CesarVega

22. ● Lack of Confidentiality○ During negotiations executive team members

who are/or have been in the negotiating team(Carlos Gonzales when he was HR Asst. Sup,Elisa Ramirez, Mei Randle, Cesar Vega, andBrian Thurman) observe that labor unions(both classified and certificated) are privy toinformation discussed only in closed session.

○ There have been other closed session itemsdiscussed out in the public and Ciro Calderonaccuses the executive team of not keeping

● Violation of Bylaw9011: Disclosure ofconfidential/privileged information

● Violation of GovCode 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)

Mei Randle

52

confidentiality. He has even threatened theexecutive team that “I better not hear whatwas disclosed in closed session out there”because he claimed that no board memberwas going to say anything so therefore itwould have to be an executive team.Executive team is sure he makes this vocalstatement to the rest of the board in closedsession to cover himself.

○ SEE ITEM 41

Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

23. ● On or about February 21, 2019○

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Defamation ofCharacter

● This request forinvestigation came fromMr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr.without providing facts.

●

● CesarVega

● CarlosGonzales

53

24. ● On or about November 29, 2018, during theCalifornia School Board Association (CSBA)conference in San Francisco:

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. approachednewly hired Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services, Mr. Cesar Vega, todiscuss the current state of the Maintenance,Operations Department and its leadership.

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon expressed hisdesire to eliminate the Maintenance andOperations Supervisor (Mr. Chris De LaRosa) and the Director of Maintenance,Operations, and Facilities (Mr. JeremyNielsen).

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. stated that for along time he has been trying to get rid of Mr.Chris De La Rosa, Maintenance andOperations Supervisor, and Jeremy Nielsen,then Director of Maintenance, Operations andFacilities, but he hasn’t been successful. Mr.Calderon stated that I (Cesar Vega) was ableto help him and fire these employees, that Iwould be his greatest hero.

○ Mr. Vega told Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.that he would discuss his request withSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales and that hewould follow-up with him later.

○ After their conversation, Trustee LorenzoCalderon Jr. invited Mr. Vega to accompanyhim to the CSBA Trade Show where they metTrustees Ciro Calderon and Enrique Alvarado

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● Violation of GovCode 54952.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -UnauthorizedMeeting

● The direct request ofterminating a districtemployee to Mr. Vegasignificantly impacted hisability to build workingrelationships with thisnew staff.

● Concerned of thisrequest, Mr. Vegaimmediately notified hissupervisor, Mr. CarlosGonzales, for hisrecommendation on howto proceed.

● Mr. Vega in fear ofretaliation for notadhering to Mr. LorenzoCalderon Jr.’s request,he complied with hisrequest.

● Carlos Gonzales alsoexpressed fear becausehe had just become theSuperintendent and theprevious Superintendenthad been released for nocause.

● CesarVega

● CarlosGonzales

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● DarioEspinoza

● JeremyNielsen

54

who were asked by Trustee LorenzoCalderon Jr. to confirm to me the need tomake changes to the Maintenance,Operations, and Transportation Department.In short, Trustees Ciro Calderon and EnriqueAlvarado agreed with Mr. Lorenzo CalderonJr. that Mr. Chris De La Rosa and JeremyNielsen had to go.

25. ● On March 21, 2019, at their Regular ScheduledBoard Meeting. To comply with Trustee’s LorenzoCalderon Jr.’s repeated requests, the AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, Mr. CesarVega, and Superintendent Mr Carlos Gonzales,placed in the agenda action item L-19 (BoardResolution), proposing the elimination of theMaintenance and Operations Supervisor position.

○ The Board of Trustees voted to table theBoard Resolution regarding the elimination ofthis position.

■ Email G. Conradi Regarding M.O.T.Reorganization Procedures.

■ Email G. Conradi Board MeetingResolution and Instructions.

■ 3.21.2019 Board Meeting Minutes(See Action Item L-19).

■ Copy of Actual Layoff Resolution forMaintenance and OperationsSupervisor, Chris De La Rosa.

■ Video Recording of 3.21.2019 BoardMeeting.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4030 -Nondiscrimination inEmployment

● Individual boardmembers cannotrecommend theelimination of anyposition.

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● MariaBravo

● MichaelCastillo

● CesarVega

● JeremyNielsen

● RichardRomero

26.● On 4/18/2021, at approximately 11:20 P.M., Principal

Gabby Williams from Calexico High School reportedthat her Vice Principal, Frank Noriega was stuck inthe new 16-Classroom elevator. After approximately45 minutes, Mr. Noriega was able to get out bysimply accessing the emergency release system.

● Violation of BoardBoard Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority

● Violation ofCalifornia ED Code35292 - School

● No board authority toinvestigate

● No board authority todirect employees of thedistrict, must go throughthe superintendent

● FrankNoriega

● GabbyWilliams

● CesarVega

● John

55

● On 4/19/2021, at approximately 12:20 P.M., PrincipalGabby Williams sent a text message toSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales regarding TrusteeLorenzo Calderon being at Calexico High Schoolcampus investigating and pushing employees toprovide him with information on the elevator issue,and other uncompleted work orders.

○ See text message from Principal Williams● On 4/19/2021, at approximately 1:26 P.M, Vice

Principal Frank Noriega sent an Email toSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales, very concernedabout Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. pushing him toprovide a written statement of the elevator issue.

○ See Frank Noriega’s Email.● Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. is notorious for these

types of actions in which he harrasses districtemployees for information in order to attackadministration and consultants.

Maintenance● Violation of

California EducationCode Section 35292:“The governingboard of any schooldistrict shall visiteach school in itsdistrict at least onceeach term, andexamine carefullyinto themanagement, needs,and conditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

Dominguez● Carlos

Gonzales

27. ● On November 10, 2020, Superintendent CarlosGonzales, Assistant Superintendent Cesar Vega, andTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. traveled together toCalipatria Union High School District to visit theirathletic facilities, primarily the baseball field.

○ During the trip to Calipatria UHSD, TrusteeLorenzo Calderon Jr., was very upset andquestioned the Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services, Mr. Cesar Vega, on theRequest for Proposal (RFP) results for the

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9270 - Conflictof Interest

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9323 –Meeting Conduct

● Violation of FPPCAct Conflict ofInterest laws:Personal Interest.

● On November 12, 2020,Trustee LorenzoCalderon first approvedthe item and when theBoard President Romerostate “motion passes”,Lorenzo then stated“wait a minute”. Lorenzothen refused to approveAction Item L19 and

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

● JohnDominguez

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new Digital Marquee at Calexico High School.

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. asked whyCesar Vega was recommending awarding acontract to a company named “Sign Factory”and NOT “Multimedia LED?” Mr. Vegainformed Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. thatthe district had gone out for an RFP on thedigital marquee, and that “Sign Factory” wasthe most responsive, responsible bid.

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was veryagitated and concerned about Mr. Vega’srecommendation, and further stated that heknew the owner of “Sign Factory” companyand that although they have worked with thedistrict in the past, and have provided goodquality digital marquees for other sites, hewas pretty sure that the other company(Multimedia LED) provided better quality.

○ Mr. Vega further explained to Trustee LorenzoCalderon that he and the entire ProjectManagement Team had analyzed the threedifferent bids, and that Multimedia LED wasdeclared non-responsive as they did notprovide a quote on the two types of LEDmarquee alternates that we requested in thebid documents.

○ Frustrated, Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.finally stated that the sales representative forMultimedia LED, Ms. Lupita Molina Gaiger,was his sister-in-law (wife’s sister), and thatshe had been calling him about the district’sdecision to award a contract to a differentcompany.

○ Mr. Vega asked Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.,

voted No for theapproval of the district’srecommendation for SignFactory to provide adigital marquee. Meetinglink: Regular SchoolBoard Meeting -November 12, 2020 -Part 2 - YouTube Minute59:20. At 1:04 Cesarwas going to make a callto confirm details. At1:08.50 Loreno voted no,after motion had alreadybeen approved.

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“what do you want me to do, the bid resultsare in and we have to follow public contractcode?” Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. wasvery, very upset and ordered Mr. Vega tosend him copies of the RFP and the threedifferent proposals submitted:

■ Email to Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.■ RFP Specifications from Architect■ Sign Factory Proposals 1 & 2■ Multimedia LED Proposal - Lupita

Molina Graiger (Trustee LorenzoCalderon’s sister-in-law)

■ Carlos Neon Proposal■ Principal Williams Approving New

Marquee at CHS.■ Project Manager John Dominguez

Email with RFP Results.

● On 10/12/2020, at their Regularly Scheduled BoardMeeting, under Action Item L-19, Trustee LorenzoCalderon Jr. did not abstain and voted against theapproval of the Sign Factory digital sign agreement,which is clearly a violation the California Code ofRegulations, Title 2, Section 18700: Basic Rule andGuide to Conflict of Interest Regulations.

○ Picture of Lorenzo Calderon Jr., his wifeMarisela Molina, and her sister Lupita MolinaGaiger, sales representative at MultimediaLED.

○ Picture of Marisela Molina and her sisterLupita Molina Gaiger.

○ Picture of Lupita Molina Gaiger.

28. ● On about 10/2020, Mr. Chris De La Rosa,Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, requesteda meeting with Mr. Cesar Vega, AssistantSuperintendent of Business Services, to report acase in which Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.,

● Violation of BoardPolicy 3400 -Management OfDistrictAssets/Accounts

● The M&O Supervisoradvised Mr. Camarillothat he needed to reportthe incident to theSuperintendent

● AlejandroCamarillo

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● Carlos

58

approached Mr. Alejandro Camarillo, current CTEWelding Teacher at Calexico High School asking himfor a Welding Machine to take home.

● Mr. De La Rosa further reported that CTE TeacherMr. Camarillo was very concerned and did not knowhow to handle this situation. He was also scaredbecause Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. and him hadworked together in the past at Centinela State Prisonwhere both used to be correctional officers. In fact,Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was Mr. Camarillo’sdirect supervisor there.

● Mr. Vega immediately reported the incident toSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales, and directed Mr.De La Rosa to ask Mr. Camarillo to come and seeSuperintendent Gonzales.

● Violation of CAConstitution, ArticleXVI Public FinanceSection 6 - Gift ofPublic Funds

immediately.● Soon after the M&O

Supervisor reported thisclaim to AssistantSuperintendent C. Vega,he reported the claim toSuperintendent C.Gonzales.

● Superintendent CarlosGonzales has not yetreceived the claim.

Gonzales

29. ● On April 16, 2021, at approximately 1:40 pm, duringagenda review, Board President Ciro Calderonordered the Assistant Superintendent of BusinessServices, Mr. Cesar Vega, to provide the Board ofTrustees an update on the Maintenance, Operations,and Transportation Department.

Trustee Ciro Calderon directed Mr. Vega to not inviteMr. Chris De La Rosa, Maintenance and OperationsSupervisor to the Board Meeting. In fact, Trustee CiroCalderon stated that moving forward, allMaintenance and Operations updates to the Boardwill be given by the Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness Services.

This new request by Trustee Ciro Calderon violatestheir January 7, 2021, settlement agreement in whichMr. De La Rosa was welcome to attend, represent,and present at Board Meetings (See 1.7.21Correspondence by Amy Estrada).

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Unless agreed toby the Board as awhole, individualmembers of theBoard shall notexercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools orcommand theservices of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to the

● The directive of notallowing theMaintenance andOperations Supervisor tohelp present on this topicputs Cesar Vega in adifficult position becausehe is not an expert in thisdepartment, and he doesnot have in-depthknowledge on how allwork orders have beendistributed, norcompleted.

● Ciro Calderon had noboard authority to directemployees of the district.

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

● JanetBurgos

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Mr. Vega informed Trustee Ciro Calderon thatalthough he oversees the Maintenance andOperations Department, he does not have theinstitutional knowledge nor the technical expertise toexplain the intricacies of the departments supervisedby Mr. Chris De La Rosa. Trustee Ciro Calderonreiterated that Mr. De La Rosa is not to present anymore updates, per legal counsel’s recommendation.

● On February 11, 2021, at approximately 4:50 P.M.Mr. Carlos Gonzales, Superintendent, asked district’sattorney, Amy Estrada, what was the rationale for nothaving Mr. Chris De La Rosa present at the nextBoard Meeting? According to Amy Estrada, she didnot make a recommendation to Board President CiroCalderon, NOT to have Mr. Chris De La Rosapresent at the next board meeting. This confirmsonce again that Board President Ciro Calderonprovided false information to the Superintendent.

Superintendent.”● Micromanaging● Retaliation

30. ● On Jan. 7, 2021 Ciro Calderon called Elisa Ramirezasking why Dennis Price was lowering the highschool graduation requirements for our specialeducation students. Elisa Ramirez explained thatDennis was not lowering the requirements and thatdepending on each student IEP, the IEP team candetermine if a student can fulfil the district’sgraduation requirements or if they need to beadjusted and complete at minimum thestate-mandated graduation course requirement.Although Ciro Calderon works as a counselor, heunderstood that the state had minimum graduationrequirements, and he still wanted to see boardpolicies. He requested the district’s legal sourcewhere an IEP can trump Ed Code or Board Policy.Elisa Ramirez never stated that IEP’s trump EdCode.

● Elisa Ramirez sent BP6146.4, BP0430 and SPED

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authorityto resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive proper

● On February 5, 2021Dennis held a meetingwith counselors andconfirmed that allstudents are expected tocomplete the high schoolrequirements, however,during an IEP meetingthe team may makeother recommendations

● Dennis Price had tobring attorney ErnestBell to present to theboard that

.

● ElisaRamirez

● DennisPrice

● CarlosGonzales

● BrisaHuerta-Price

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slide on graduation requirements plus additionalinformation to Ciro Calderon on January 7, 2021. OnJanuary 8, 2021 Elisa Ramirez attended acounselors meeting and Dennis Price shared thesame information to the counselors (that ElisaRamirez had explained to Ciro Calderon).Counselors were told that the expectation walkinginto an IEP meeting is that students have to fulfil thedistrict's high school requirements and only if, duringan IEP meeting the team determines that a studentcannot fulfill the requirements, the team may adjustthe requirements ensuring they meet thestate-mandated graduation requirements. Ciro stillinsisted, as per Amy Estrada email, on placing on aboard agenda an item on a potential litigation case.On February 4, 2021, during agenda review, CiroCalderon stated there was a complaint aboutDennis Price stating that he sent an email statingthat SPED students did not need to comply with the 3year math and science requirement. Someone hadshared this email. Ciro Calderon claimed that acounselor sent him an email where Dennis Pricesstated that SPED students did not have to meet thehigh school requirements. Elisa Ramirez asked if hecould share the email with her because the emailwas misinterpreted, especially when Elisa Ramirezhad attended a meeting with Denni Price andcounselors on January 8, 2021 and confirmed whatshe had expressed to Ciro Calderon via email onJanuary 7, 2021. Ciro refused to share the emailor name of contact. On Feb. 11, 2021 this item wasadded as possible litigation regardless of all theefforts made by Elisa Ramirez to explain this to CiroCalderon. The District had Dennis Price and ErnestBell, AALRR attorney, present at the meeting duringclosed session and not one single question wasasked. We believe Ciro Calderon acted in retaliatorybehavior against Dennis Price, just as he has donefor Brisa Huerta-Price and now has involved ACT

consideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.

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President Darla Dreesen. Ciro is constantly usingothers to support him in these types of retaliatoryactions. SEE ITEM 51 and and 35.

31. ● On or about November, 2020, after the Trusteeelections, it was reported by Alejandra Limon,Migrant Coordinator that a parent representative hadlet her know that Ciro Calderon was discussing veryspecific details about the Superintendent'sevaluation, which is a closed session, confidentialitem. The parent said that Mr. Calderon told her thatthe Superintendent’s evaluation was publicinformation, included in Board minutes and that thiswas not confidential information. The parent let Ms.Limon know that the Board member also said thatthe Superintendent had not been evaluated and thatBoard Member Mike Castillo was the cause for it andrefused to do the evaluation and that Mike Castillohad not participated in several evaluations for theSuperintendent.

● It is very important to note, that the original documentthat was given to the District Attorney’s on 4-19-21 bythe Executive Cabinet had the following wrong date,“On or about September, 2020”. Email sent to theDistrict Attorney's on 4-19-21. Cover letter given tothe District Attorney’s on 4-19-21. List of Concernsgiven to the District Attorney’s on 4-19-21. It is thesame wrong date in detail that Zhoe Garcia reportedto Alejandra Limon on 4-20-21. This information canbe confirmed by Alejandra Limon. The only way thatthe wrong date would have been known to ZhoeGarcia, is if the District Attorney/s shared the reportwith the school board president or the school boardon the evening of 4-19-20 and then a board membershared it with Zhoe Garcia. Email sent to the DistrictAttorney’s on 4-20-21 RE information being leakedout and shared with a witness. SEE ITEM #35.

● Violation of GovCode 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

● The Superintendent’sevaluation is confidential.The only way thisinformation would beknown to the public, is ifshared out of closedsession.

● The concern ofinformation being sharedregarding theSuperintendent’sevaluation outside ofclosed session wasshared with the schoolboard by theSuperintendent duringthe Superintendent’sGoals & ObjectivesSetting at a SpecialBoard Meeting on11-18-20.

● AlejandraLimon

● CarlosGonzales

● MikeCastillo

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32.● On 1-4-21, it was reported that Trustee Ciro Calderon

launched his own investigation, without Boardauthorization (confirmed by Board member) inviolation of Bylaw 9200.

○ went to several school sites verifying that ryegrass seed was delivered.

○ stated “I passed by the supervisors home andtheir grass is nice and green.” Implying bothsupervisors (Dario Espinosa, Warehouse andTransportation Supervisor and Chris De LaRosa, Maintenance and OperationsSupervisor) were stealing the grass seed.Trustee Ciro Calderon commented to JerryEspinoza that both Dario and Chris werestealing the grass seed.

○ On several occasions, Dario Espinozawitnessed and observed Trustee CiroCalderon driving really slow by his houselooking at his front landscape. Trustee CiroCalderon ignored the fact that Mr. Espinozawas there, did not wave, just stared at Darioin a very defiant manner.

● On 11-16-20 Carlos Gonzales had sent an email tothe board regarding the Rye grass.

● Even though Carlos Gonzales had provided updatesto the board regarding Rye grass seed, CiroCalderon insisted on launching his own investigationand retaliating against the Maintenance andOperations Department leadership team, makingfalse claims that the supervisors had stolen the Ryegrass seed.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “IndividualBoard members donot have theauthority to resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”

● Violation ofCalifornia EducationCode Section35292: “Thegoverning board ofany school districtshall visit eachschool in its districtat least once eachterm, and examinecarefully into themanagement,needs, andconditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district or

● Lack of trust after Mr.Vega had explained thathe would follow up.

● Board memberconducting his owninvestigation.

● Chris DeLa Rosa

● DarioEspinoza

● JerryEspinoza

● ElisaRamirez

● CarlosGonzales

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city superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

33.● On 4/19/21 Calexico High School Vice Principal, Mr.

Frank Noriega, sent an email stating that TrusteeLorenzo Calderon Jr. approached him during hisunannounced visit to Calexico High School, wantedMr. Noriega to give him a written statement regardingan elevator incident, without notifying the rest of theBoard or Superintendent Carlos Gonzales. TrusteeLorenzo Calderon asked several times and said hewanted to show the other board members and notjust tell them. Email from Frank Noriega RELorenzo Calderon Request 4-19-21. Frank Noriegafelt pressured and noted “I’m stuck in a difficultposition and need your support.” This is notsurprising as Lorenzo Calderon and CiroCalderon are always looking to find something,days before a board meeting to reprimand theExecutive Team the day of the board meeting(please SEE ITEMS 7, 11, 20, 21, 23, 25, 30, 32,37). Elisa Ramirez, Assistant Superintendent ofEducational Services, on various occasions hasshared with the Executive Team that she feels “as ifthey are out to get us”. This is a way of harassmentor intimidation. Lorenzo Calderon texted CarlosGonzales to have the report ready for “tonight's”Special Board meeting (at 6:00 pm), as if he did notknow that Superintendent Carlos Gonzales would notbe at the board meeting. After all the exchange of

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority“Unless agreed toby the Board as awhole, individualmembers of theBoard shall notexercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools orcommand theservices of anyschool employee.Individual Boardmembers shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent”

● Violation of GovCode 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● No board authority toinvestigate

● No board authority todirect employees of thedistrict, must go throughthe superintendent

● FrankNoriega

● GabbyWilliams

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

64

emails and then texted back to disregard his text. Asa common trend, Trustee Lorenzo Caldero wanted tofind a reason the day of the board meeting to “get at”Superintendent Carlos Gonzales and the ExecutiveTeam.

● Another Example, On the same day, 4/19/21,Gabrielle Williams texted Carlos Gonzales, BrianThurman, Cesar Vega and Elisa Ramirez thatTrustee Lorenzo Calderon was at the site regardingwater leaks and the elevator situation. He asked herfor copies of work orders for water leaks. GabrielleWilliams informed the Executive Team because thiswas a request that should go through theSuperintendent. Trustee Lorenzo Calderon wanted tofind something against the Executive Team to “getthem” right before a board meeting, which is abehavior that the Executive Team has been sensingfor months.

● On 8/4/20 Ciro Calderon emailed SuperintendentCarlos Gonzales stating that he had severalcomplaints from parents telling him they had troubleenrolling their child and no one answered at thedistrict office. Coincidently the board meeting wouldtake place on 8/13/20. The complaints wereunsubstantiated as we have a full time front deskattendant and our executive assistants' work callswent directly to their personal cell phones.

● On 9/12/18 Ciro Calderon emailed Carlos Gonzalesa series of complaints alleging several items thatwere not substantiated. Coincidentally the boardmeeting would take place the following day on9/13/18

● On 9/9/20 Ciro Calderon emailed Carlos Gonzales alist of complaints. Coincidently the board meetingwould take place the following day on 9/10/20. CarlosGonzales responded to Ciro Calderon on 9/24/20 viaemail. In his response several items were found to beunsubstantiated or partially substantiated (specific toone site and not ALL schools). Carlos Gonzales also

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

● Violation ofCalifornia EducationCode Section35292: “Thegoverning board ofany school districtshall visit eachschool in its districtat least once eachterm, and examinecarefully into themanagement,needs, andconditions of theschools. In anyschool district whichemploys district orcity superintendentsof schools, it shalleither visit theschools or providethat they shall bevisited by the districtor citysuperintendent ofschools or hisassistants.”

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reminded Ciro Calderon in his response that perBoard Bylaw 9200, any board member approacheddirectly by a person with a complaint should refer thecomplaint to the Superintendent or designs so thatthe problema may receive proper consideration andbe handled through the appropriate district process.See ITEM #14. Not only does Ciro Calderon not readthe information sent on a daily/weekly basis and healso did not read the response provided by CarlosGonzales.

● On 4/12/21 both Lorenzo Calderon and EnriqueAlvardo emailed Carlos Gonzales concerns related toArctic Air installing HVAC units. As seen in ITEM’s#1, #4, #11, #14, the board had been tabling theitems related to HVAC services. During the month ofApril 2021, M&O had to shut down per CalOSHAGuidelines and mandated by the Imperial CountyHealth Department. Because there was noagreement with any HVAC company, The District hadto address the issues and sought the services ofArctic Air. Enrique Alvarado in his email requested tosee the communication sent from Dr. Munday, theImperial County Public Health Officer to close theM&O facilities, implying Carlos Gonzales was notbeing truthful. These emails, coincidently, werereceived 2 days before the 4-14-21 Special Boardmeeting.

34.● On 4/14/21, Ciro Calderon, via email, scolded the

Superintendent for cancelling the special boardmeeting related to his evaluation even though theSuperintendent had sent 3 emails indicating to allBoard members in his daily updates that the meetingscheduled for 4/14 needed to be rescheduledbecause one board member was not going to be ableto attend. Email from Ciro to Carlos on 4-14-21.

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility. #2.Consulting with theSuperintendent ordesignee on thepreparation of theBoard's agendas (cf.

● It is the responsibility ofall Board of Trustees tostay informed of allcommunicationsregarding CUSDmatters.

● CarlosGonzales

● RichardRomero

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Email from Carlos Gonzales to Ciro on 4-12-21 9322 - Agenda /Meeting Materials)

35.● On 4/20/21, Carlos Gonzales received a call from

Alejandra Limon at 2:08 PM to inform him that aparent (same parent from ITEM #31), was very upsetbecause she was informed by a Board member, afterthe closed session Board meeting on Monday,4/19/21, telling her that the District was going to sueher in a pending lawsuit, based on what she hadshared with Alejandra Limon, confidentially (SeeITEM #31). (District staff needs direction regardingthis pending lawsuit towards this parent since wehave no knowledge of this lawsuit)

● Parent is very fearful and worried about the Districtsuing her and told Alejandra Limon she should alsoget an attorney based on what the Board membertold her. Parent said she doesn't trust AlejandraLimon after this Board member discussion.

● Alejandra Limon fears retaliation towards her by theparents and the board member/s.

● Statement from Alejandra Limon on the incident of4-20-21.

● On 5-5-21 a text was sent to Carlos Gonzales byDiego Romero, Principal of Enrique Camarena Jr.High School to alert him that Zhoe Garcia, a parent,had mentioned at a School Site Council Meeting shewas going to talk at a board meeting due to her beingnamed in a lawsuit. Text I from Diego Romero toCarlos Gonzales on 5-5-21. Text II from DiegoRomero to Carlos Gonzales on 5-5-21.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of GovCode 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

● Concerns with unethicalbehavior.

● Harassing andintimidating a potentialwitness.

● Witness Zhoe Garciaconcerned about alawsuit and bringing it upto other parents,teachers and the schoolsite administrator at aschool site councilmeeting on 5-6-21.

● Feeling of discriminationdue to health ofSuperintendent CarlosGonzales. CarlosGonzales was battlingcolorectal cancer whenTrustee Castillo was theboard president.

● DiegoRomero

● AlejandraLimon

36.● On 1-26-20, Carlos Gonzales received texts from

Ciro Calderon, creating a hostile work environmentby criticizing his performance, accusing Carlos offavoritism, of being part of an elitist group and made

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Hostile Work

● There is a pattern ofcontinued offensivebehavior from CiroCalderon.

● NormaAguilar

● CarlosGonzales

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discriminatory comments towards the people andchurch Carlos attends. These comments wereuncalled for and he included all board members.

● Ciro Calderon made the following comments, “Let’ssee how long it takes to get this done since it does tbenefit the elite at the DO”. Ciro Calderon furtherpresses the matter and makes the followingcomments: “If this problem had happened in one ofhis friend’s son that now teaches in Calexico howlong do you think it woul’ve take for this problem tobe resolved? I rest my case. I’m done trying to fightthe corruption and nepotism and being able to air itout to the public or the press. If you guys want tocensor me go ahead but but staying quiet anymorewhile our kids suffer the consequences of not being“from the elite” or from a certain “Church”. Carlosresponded to Ciro Calderon in the text andacknowledged his remarks by stating the Carlos wasnot aware that his faith or who he was associatedwith was an issue that puts the district in apredicament. Carlos invited Ciro to discuss it furtherin closed session. Ciro Calderon continued with thefollowing comment, “Carlos your claims or threatsdon’t really scare me much. You do as you pleaseand I will continue fighting for the right of students, allstudents in calexico and not just a few, depending ontheir last name or where they go to church. I’m adevoted catholic as well and I have proof that I’mcatholic so take your threats elsewhere. I might bejust a counselor but that doesn’t mean that you get todeduct 100 IQ points. Do as you please.”

● On 1-27-20, Carlos Gonzales sent an email to AmyEstrada, as per Richard Romero regarding the textinteraction with Ciro Calderon.

● Carlos Gonzales is not aware of any follow up ordiscussions to this concern with Ciro Calderon or theboard by the District’s attorney, Amy Estrada.

● Email to Amy Estrada on 1-27-2020 RE Texts fromCiro Calderon

Environment● Violation of Gov

Code 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscriminationbased on race,color, religion, sexand national origin.

● Creating a hostile workenvironment (Religion)

● RichardRomero

● AmyEstrada

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● Ciro Calderon exhibits a continuous pattern of hostileenvironment. An example is the Mohamed Asiadincident. The following was a complaint that wasfiled against Ciro Calderon when he was the BoardPresident on February 3, 2016 by Mohamed Asiadfor discrimination.

● Complaint of Discrimination filed on February 3, 2016by Mohamed Asiad against Ciro Calderon.

● The complaint was investigated by Ara RaisDana,J.D. Lead Associate Investigatory with Nicole Miller &Associates, Inc. The investigation took months tocomplete. Ara advised Clifford Weiler, the District’sattorney at the time, that she hoped to complete thereport by June 22, 2016.

● Ciro Calderon submitted his letter of resignationdirectly to Todd Finnell, ICOE Superintendent onJune, 24, 2016.

● As a result, Sensitivity Training was mandated forALL CUSD Administrators.

● When Brian Thurman was recommended by CarlosGonzales as the Assistant Superintendent of HR,Ciro Calderon made a comment to Carlos Gonzales,“If he (referring to Brian Thurman) wasn’t too white?”.Carlos Gonzales dismissed the comment and foundit very unprofessional and discriminatory, based onBrian Thurman's race.

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37.● On 9-10-2020, Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr. made false

accusations and alleged that the Culinary ArtsAcademy project was not completed, and thatstudents could not occupy the building.

● Project Managers John Dominguez and Kim Dessertrespectfully disagreed with Mr. Calderon Jr., sayingthat the Culinary Arts Academy project WAScompleted and that students COULD occupy thebuilding.

● Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr. made statements andclaims that he had talked to Culinary Arts Academystaff, and that they had confirmed to him that thebuilding was not completed.

● Board President Richard Romero requested TrusteeLorenzo Calderon to call the Culinary Arts Academyofficials during the board meeting to confirm who waslying.

● As Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr. returned back to theboard meeting, he tried to close the door on projectmanager John Dominguez in retaliation for beingproven wrong.

● Mr. Lorenzo Calderon Jr. confirmed that he waswrong in the open session and only apologized toKim Dessert and not John Dominguez.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uhZeAhjh1k

● False accusations● There is a pattern of

continued offensivebehavior

● JohnDominguez

● KimDessert

● ChefFernandoNunez

● CesarVega

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● RichardRomero

● MikeCastillo

38.● On Wednesday, April 28, Carlos Gonzales received

an email from Ciro Calderon, copying the District’sattorney Amy Estrada and Trustee LorenzoCalderon, questioning why Trustee Lorenzo Calderonhad not received communication of the SpecialBoard meeting for Thursday (4/29). Email from CiroCalderon 4/28/21.

● Carlos Gonzales responded to the email, advising

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9005 -GovernanceStandards“Participate inprofessionaldevelopment andcommit and timeand energy

● Failure to readSuperintendentcommunication to boardmembers, causingmiscommunication.

● It is the responsibility ofall Board of Trustees tostay informed of all

● CarlosGonzales

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Ciro Calderon that Trustee Lorenzo Calderon was infact emailed regarding the special board meeting ofThursday (4/29) on Tuesday (4/27), however, CarlosGonzales had not received a response. Email toLorenzo Calderon regarding Special Board Meetingof 4/29.

● This is a clear example of Ciro Calderon and LorenzoCalderon not checking their communication from theSuperintendent in order to stay informed of currentDistrict issues and happenings. (SEE ITEM #7)

necessary to be aninformed andeffective leader.”

communicationsregarding CUSDmatters.

39.● On Thursday, April 22, during public comments,

Trustee Ciro Calderon responded to one of the publicspeaker's comments who wanted to make acomplaint. Trustee Ciro Calderon publicly made thefollowing statement in spanish: “Tal vez voy a romperuna regla, pero a mi no me importa”. Translated,“Perhaps I’m going to break a rule, but I don’t care”.The following is the video demonstrating Trustee CiroCalderon’s behavior. Board Meeting of 4/22/21 Clip

● It is the responsibility of the Board President to followand enforce the Board Bylaws, however, instead ofleading by example, he continuously demonstrateslittle regard for the Board Bylaws and evenacknowledges in open session he will break a rule.

● This is a clear example of abuse of authority, whichTrustee Ciro Calderon applies to ALL aspects ofgovernance as a board member for the CalexicoUnified School District, even after being reminded bythe District’s Attorney, Amy Estrada in writing. SEEITEM #6.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9121 (3) (9) -Board President: “Enforce the Board'spolicies relating tothe conduct ofmeetings and helpensure compliancewith applicablerequirements of theBrown Act” & “Beresponsible for theorderly conduct ofall Board meetings.”

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 - Limitsof Board MemberAuthority:“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authorityto resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directly

● During public commentsin open session CiroCalderon responds to apublic comment, beingfully aware from hisstatement he is going tobreak a rule and is notsupposed to respond topublic comments

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CesarVega

71

by a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction.

40.● On Thursday, April 22, during public comments, two

district employees were discussed in open sessionand specific complaints and charges were madeagainst them.

● There was no attempt to stop it by the BoardPresident Ciro Calderon and advise the complainantto file a complaint using the appropriate districtcomplaint procedure, specifically, cf. 1312.1 -Complaints Concerning District Employees.

● The two administrators' names were publicly named

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9323 –Meeting Conduct

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “IndividualBoard members donot have theauthority to resolvecomplaints. Any

● As the board president,did not attempt to protectthe integrity of theadministrators.

● Administrators feel thereis a defamation ofcharacter towards them.

● Subsequently, as a resultof the two administratorsbeing criticised publicly,

● CarlosGonzales

● BrianThurman

● ElisaRamirez

● Alex Avina● Dennis

Price

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and it was stated they had a vote of “no confidence.”● What is alarming is that the Board President, Ciro

Calderon was very well aware of these complaintscoming to the board meeting on April 22nd, as heand Margarita Magallanes met with this particulargroup of employees that presented the votes of noconfidence at the board meeting on April 20th.

● Why didn’t Ciro Calderon inform the group ofemployees there was a complaint procedure that isfollowed? The Superintendent had informed theboard via email already that this matter was beinglooked into on 3-16-21. We wouldn’t be surprised ifCiro Calderon claims he wasn’t aware, as is hismode of operation, due to his lack of readingcommunication from the Superintendent.

● This is an example of how Ciro Calderon does notsupport administrators in the District and instead,encourages employees to publicly speak out againstthem, making allegations which lead to defamation ofcharacter, even when 100% of these allegationshave turned out to be false when appropriatelyinvestigated.

Board memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer the complainantto theSuperintendent ordesignee so that theproblem may receiveproper considerationand be handledthrough theappropriate districtprocess.”

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9310 - BoardPolicy Manual: “TheBoard of Educationshall adopt writtenpolicies to conveyits expectations foractions that will betaken in the district,clarify roles andresponsibilities ofthe Board andSuperintendent,and communicateBoard philosophyand positions to thestudents, staff,parents/guardiansand the community.Board policies arebinding on thedistrict to the extentthat they do notconflict with federal

we now have staffsending emails andletters of support for andtheir disappointment tothe “vote of noconfidence”, which avote never took place.

● Margarita Magallanesand Ciro Calderon metwith a group of teachersfrom William Moreno Jr.High School, notfollowing the complaintprocess and violatingboard bylaw 9200.

● On 3-16-21 an email wassent to the board toadvising them the matterwas being followed up byadministration with legalinput.

● On 4-20-19 CiroCalderon and MargaritaMagallanes met with agroup of staff membersfrom WM regarding AlexAvina and a letter of noconfidence, after Mr.Gonzalez had informedthem that a letter wasreceived and that wewould look into it. Emailto board on 3-16-21 RE:Letter of No Confidence.

● Ciro Calderon knows heshould not participate inthese types ofcomplaints, as they arenot at the school board

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or state law and areconsistent with thedistrict's collectivebargainingagreements.”

level. The following is anemail to JessicaCarrillo-Grijalva, ACTRepresentative from CiroCalderon acknowledgingthe process the boardfollows. Email from CiroCalderon to UnionRepresentative JessicaCarrillo-Grijalva onProcess.

41.● On Saturday, June 23, 2018, Carlos Gonzales

received an email from Ciro Calderon regardingnegotiations.

● It was clear that Trustee Ciro Calderon was talking tothe classified association leadership regardingnegotiations from the email. The attorney is the leadnegotiator for the school board and instead of CiroCalderon requesting to hear from the District’sattorney, he takes what he is told by the associationat face value and blasts the Superintendent CarlosGonzales, once again, including all board membersin the email.

● From the email, Ciro Calderon indicates he isextremely disappointed at the Attorney and extremelydisappointed at the Superintendent. He is personallyattacking Carlos Gonzales who was at the time goingthrough the interview process for the SuperintendentVacancy position.

● This shows a lack of confidentiality towardsnegotiations, also a clear violation of the Brown Actby including all board members.

● Email from Ciro Calderon on 6-23-2018.

● Violation of GovCode 54952.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -UnauthorizedMeeting

● Prohibits a series ofcommunication ofany kind.

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4119.23 -UnauthorizedRelease ofConfidential/Privileged Information. “Anemployee shall notdisclose confidentialinformationacquired by beingpresent during aclosed session to aperson not entitledto receive suchinformation, unlessthe Boardauthorizes

● Cannot trust theconfidentiality ofnegotiations.

● CarlosGonzales

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disclosure of thatinformation.(Government Code54963)”

42.● On August 14, 2018, Interim Superintendent Carlos

Gonzales received an email from Ciro Calderonregarding the hiring process and making falseallegations. Email from Ciro Calderon on 8-14-2018.

● Brown Act violation and emailing all board members.● Ciro wrote the following false allegations - “I don't

want to make assumptions but I guess you are to getonly people that is of your “approval” to apply againand keep those that do not belong to your “coregroup” out of the applicant pool.”

● Questioning and medaling in the hiring process hasbeen Ciro Calderon’s practice from when CarlosGonzales was the Assistant Superintendent of HR tothe current Assistant Superintendent of HR, Dr. BrianThurman.

● This is another example of rude, mistreatment anddisrespectful behavior towards Carlos Gonzales fromCiro Calderon. It also questions the integrity ofCarlos Gonzales in an email to the entire board.

● Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon have ridiculedthe recommendation of the executive cabinet. Theydismiss the process that is set up. They do not haveeducational expertise and the executive teamexpertise is often disqualified. They often bring thecandidate's personal information when discussing therecommendation. This personal information shouldnot be brought up during the hiring process. Theyhave their own hidden agenda and try to advocate fortheir friends or acquaintances, completely dismissingthe school site team’s recommendation who have theeducational expertise. Then they turn around andaccuse the executive team of favoritism and“compadrismo”.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority

● Violation of GovCode 54950 BrownAct - Meetings -Board Actions beTaken Openly

● Violation of GovCode 54954.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -No actionor discussion shallbe undertaken onany item notappearing on theposted agenda orpublicly identifyingitems prior to takingaction

● Violation of GovCode 54952.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -UnauthorizedMeeting

● Prohibits a series ofcommunication ofany kind.

● Allegations against thehiring process.

● Brown Act violation -emailing all boardmembers.

● CarlosGonzales

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43.● On June 30, 2020, Carlos Received an email from

Adria Lopez regarding Credit Card transactionsmade by Ciro Calderon to Burgers & Beer for$197.45, to Burgers & Beer for $65.62 and to CircleK in San Luis, AZ for $52.50.

● An email was sent to Ciro Calderon by CarlosGonzales on July 9, 2020 requesting the receipts orto provide an affidavit.

● An email was sent to Ciro Calderon by CarlosGonzales on February 19, 2021 and included CesarVega on the $315.57 worth of charges to Burgers &Beer and Circle K.

● On February 19, 2021 Ciro Calderon responded viaemail to Carlos Gonzales to advise of the followingDistrict Credit Card usage in two emails:

● Email one 2-19-21 at 2:29 PM● Email two 2-19-21 at 2:38 PM

○ District Credit Card used at Burgers and Beerfor the parents of Dool School for $197.45.

○ District Credit Card used in San Luis, Arizonafor $52.50 to visit the Gadsden ElementarySchool District Migrant Program.

○ District Credit Card used at Burgers and Beerfor $65.62 to meet with CSEA members.

● Credit Card Statements and Affidavit Signed byTrustee Ciro Calderon and Superintendent CarlosGonzales for unauthorized credit card expenditures.

● During May 23, 2019 (1:26:26 minute) boardmeeting, Ciro mentioned he had a good lunch withparents from Dool last week.

● Violation of BoardPolicy 3350 -TravelExpenses & Use OfCredit Cards

● Violation ofAdministrationRegulation 3350 -Travel Expenses &Use Of Credit Cards

● We are not aware of thecharges encumbered onhow they pertain toDistrict business, whichwas not approved by theboard.

● Board members are notsupposed to haveDistrict Credit Cards withthem, they are onlyissued for official Districtapproved travel, such asconferences, etc.

● Out-of-state travelrequires board approvalin advance.

● AdriaLopez

● FabiolaCalderon

● CesarVega

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44.● Esther Martinez is a witness to the level of

harassment and hostile work environment created byboth Trustees Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo CalderonJr.

● Ms. Esther Martinez, Director of the PersonnelCommission, has personally been a witness to staffexpressing their concerns to her regarding TrusteesCiro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon, and has alsowitnessed how past administrations (Maria Ambriz,Mei Randal, among others) have gone through thesame hostile work environment.

● On 3-25-21, Esther Martinez shared withSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales that she was veryconcerned about the level of harassment staff wasexperiencing because of Trustee Ciro Calderon andTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr.

● Ms. Esther Martinez expressed something needed tobe done. She shared with the Superintendent thatCesar Vega was previously expressing hisunhappiness and feelings to Ellen Wu and Jon Pearl.Esther expressed concern that the District’sattorney’s were not acting on it or following up, whichshe believed to be serious.

● Witness to complaints ofunprofessional behaviorto staff, especially as theDirector of the PersonnelCommission.

● EstherMartinez

● CesarVega

● Ellen Wu● Jon Pearl

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45.● On April 1, 2019, Ciro Calderon sent an email to

Carlos Gonzales, which included Lorenzo Calderon.● The email requested to have a Special Board

meeting to discuss a personnel matter, regarding anemployee. This personnel matter was being handledby the Human Resources Department and district’sAttorney Clifford Weiler from AALRR.

○ “I want a meeting ASAP to discuss the issuewith . I also want the lawyerpresent to answer to some of my concernsregarding his involvement in his dismissal,”stated Trustee Ciro Calderon.

● Trustee Ciro Calderon was medaling in theinvestigation process by Human Resources that dealtwith placing a certificated employee on PaidAdministrative Leave and an investigation onallegations of misconduct.

● The board president at this time was MichaelCastillo, who was not even included in the email.

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authority toresolve complaints.Any Board memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer the complainantto theSuperintendent ordesignee so that theproblem may receiveproper considerationand be handledthrough theappropriate districtprocess.” This isalso perceived asmicromanagement.

● No board authority toinvestigate

● No process followed,including the boardpresident to schedule aspecial board meeting.

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● GabbyWilliams

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46.● On October 16, 2019, Ciro Calderon emailed Carlos

Gonzales, along with Lorenzo Calderon and EnriqueAlvarado.

● Brown act violation, including 3 or more boardmembers in an email.

● Ciro Calderon threatened Carlos Gonzales that if hedid not put an item on the agenda, to have theattorney present at the next meeting. Ciro stated, “Ifyou decide to not put it on the agenda then haveOUR lawyer talk about the next steps regarding thisissue.”

● The board president at this time was Mike Castillo,who was not even included in the email or taken intoconsideration.

● Now that Trustee Ciro Calderon is the boardpresident, he insists only the board president can callor cancel board meetings, however it wasn’t the casewhen Mike Castillo was the board member. Thefollowing email was sent to Carlos Gonzales on April14, 2021 by Ciro Calderon, with a response fromCarlos Gonzales.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9012 BoardMember ElectronicCommunication

● Violation of GovCode 54952.2 (3)Brown Act -Meetings -UnauthorizedMeeting

● “A majority of theBoard shall not,outside of anauthorized meeting,use a series ofelectroniccommunications ofany kind, directly orthroughintermediaries, todiscuss,deliberate,or take action on anyitem that is within thesubject matterjurisdiction of theBoard.

● Violation of Bylaw9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility.

● No process followed,including the boardpresident to schedule aspecial board meeting.

● CarlosGonzales

● MikeCastillo

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47.● On April 29, 2021, there was a special board meeting

scheduled for the Superintendent Evaluation.● On Friday, April 23rd, 2021, Margarita Magallanes

and Ciro Calderon met with Carlos Gonzales to givehim a copy of the Board’s evaluation of him, eventhough he had not provided input, nor was the wholeBoard involved in the evaluation process. In thismeeting it was agreed that the Board would hold aspecial board meeting for the SuperintendentEvaluation so that the Superintendent could provideinput and all Board members could provide input.Elisa Ramirez was present as a witness.

● Margarita Magallanes stated she would like to seethe evidence so that she could make changes to theevaluation, since the Superintendent was not allowedto present the evidence to his goals and objectives.Elisa Ramirez was a witness when MargaritaMagallanes made this statement.

● On April 29, 2021, the special board meeting for theSuperintendent evaluation began at 5 PM. Theboard went into closed session for about 40 minutes.At about 5:40 PM, Amy Estrada, the District’sattorney, informed Carlos Gonzales that the boardhad decided NOT to re-do the evaluation and itwould stay as it was, without his input.

● Why was Carlos Gonzales told to schedule a SpecialBoard meeting for the Superintendent Evaluation andnot be allowed to present the evidence to make anychanges as Margarita Magallanes had stated. WhenCarlos Gonzales polled the board, Richard Romerostated he was available on April 29th for the meetingand ready to evaluate Carlos Gonzales.

● The following is an example of how this is retaliationagainst Superintendent Carlos Gonzales.

● On 4/28, Carlos Gonzales received a text fromEnrique Alvarado that he was available, but hewanted to make sure ALL the board members werepresent. This immediately set a double standard.

● Retaliatory behaviorand confirmedthrough actualSuperintendentEvaluation presentedto Superintendent on4-23-21 and postEvaluation actions.Attached is theresponse to CarlosGonzales’ Evaluationfor 2020-2021

● 4-26-21 Notice ofInvestigation(Gonzales 042621)by CUSD. “Districtpolicy prohibitsretaliation againstany person forbringing forth anallegation,responding to anallegation, orparticipating in anymanner in theinvestigation orresolution of acomplaint.Retaliation includesthreats, intimidation,reprisals, and/oradverse actionrelated to educationor employment.

● The WhistleblowerProtection Act“forbids every stateofficial and employeefrom retaliating or

● Clear example ofretaliation by a majorityof the board, which nowincludes EnriqueAlvarado and MargaritaMagallanes for filing acomplaint against CiroCalderon and LorenzoCalderon.

● Dishonest andunprofessional.

● ElisaRamirez

● MargaritaMagallanes

● CiroCalderon

● EnriqueAlvarado

● RichardRomero

● AmyEstrada

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● How is it a double standard? On Friday (4/16) CarlosGonzales met with Enrique Alvarado, physically atCHS while doing a tour and asked Enrique Alvaradoif the Board Meeting scheduled for Monday (4/19)could be on 4/29? Carlos Gonzales let EnriqueAlvarado know he was not available, because he hada religious commitment (praying Rosary), which isevery Monday and would not be able to attend.Enrique Alvarado told Carlos Gonzales he was okwith having the Superintendent evaluation on 4/29,however he still attended the board meeting onMonday (4/19) to evaluate the Superintendent,knowing the Superintendent was not going to beavailable and that Trustee Richard Romero wouldalso not be available to attend. Enrique Alvarado isnow requesting that ALL board members be presentto do the Superintendent evaluation, when it was notafforded to Trustee Richard Romero orSuperintendent Carlos Gonzales on 4/19.

attempting toretaliate against anyemployee orapplicant foremployment whoreports an improperactivity. Retaliationincludes intimidation,the denial ofappointment orpromotion, a threatof adverse action, apoor performanceevaluation,involuntary transfer,or any form ofdisciplinary action.”(California StateAuditor)”

● Violation of pastpractice forSuperintendentevaluation process.See evaluation of2019-2020.

● Next steps on theevaluation werediscussed with theboard at the SpecialBoard meeting of2-25-21. TheSuperintendentwould present hisevidence at a specialboard meeting andthe board wouldevaluate him, basedon the evidence.

● Violation of Bylaw

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9121 - BoardPresidentResponsibility. #2.Consulting with theSuperintendent ordesignee on thepreparation of theBoard's agendas (cf.9322 - Agenda /Meeting Materials)

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48.● Email from Chris De La Rosa RE: Gabriel Herrera● Interim Superintendent Carlos Gonzales was

informed by Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. that aMaintenance and Operations worker assigned to thepool was not wearing a uniform.

● Interim Superintendent Carlos Gonzales contactedthen Director of Maintenance, Operations, andFacilities, Mr. Jeremey Nielsen, to inform him of theconcern from a concerned citizen, not mentioningTrustee Lorenzo Calderon’s name.

● Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, Mr. ChrisDe La Rosa, looked into the concern, as per theemail.

● On June 14, 2018, during the Regularly ScheduledBoard Meeting, Mr. Gabriel Herrera confrontedTrustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. by the double doors inthe hallway, next to the receptionist desk. Mr. GabrielHerrera told Trustee Lorenzo Calderon if he had anyconcerns to let him know.

● Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was very upset. He hadInterim Superintendent Carlos Gonzales walk backwith him from the receptionist desk to theSuperintendent’s office and he then closed the door.

● Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. then told CarlosGonzales, “What the fuck is that all about”? “Whydoes he think it was me who complained about him”“Did you tell him”?

● Interim Superintendent, Mr. Carlos Gonzales,immediately felt threatened by Lorenzo Calderon’saggressive behavior and yelling at him straight to hisface. Interim Superintendent Carlos Gonzales wasgoing through the process of interviewing for theSuperintendent vacancy, felt intimidated and didn’tknow how to respond. Interim Superintendent CarlosGonzales assured Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. thathe did not bring up his name, only that it was aconcerned citizen.

● This is an example of harassment since all the facts

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9005 -GovernanceStandards “Tomaximize Boardeffectiveness andpublic confidence indistrict governance,Board members areexpected to governresponsibly andhold themselves tothe higheststandards of ethicalconduct.” #4“Govern in adignified andprofessionalmanner, treatingeveryone withcivility and respect.”

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Unless agreed toby the Board as awhole, individualmembers of theBoard shall notexercise anyadministrativeresponsibility withrespect to theschools orcommand theservices of anyschool employee.Individual Board

● Aggressive, threateningapproach towards CarlosGonzales.

● GabrielHerrera

● Chris de laRosa

● JeremeyNielsen

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show the employee never had his uniform off. Alsoan example of harassing and trying to manipulatethen Interim Superintendent, Carlos Gonzales.

● Lorenzo Calderon asked Carlos Gonzales for amemorandum of the investigation to prove thatCarlos Gonzales had not told MO that he hadbrought up the uniform concern regarding GabrielHerrera. Attached is the memorandum of theinvestigation.

● Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was trying to cover upthat he had not brought up the concern, when allalong, he was the one who brought forward thecomplaint to then Interim Superintendent CarlosGonzales to look into.

members shallsubmit requests forinformation to theSuperintendent.Board membersshall referBoard-relatedcorrespondence tothe Superintendentfor forwarding to theBoard or forplacement on theBoard's agenda, asappropriate.”

49.● On November 8, 2018, Interim Superintendent

Carlos Gonzales received a text from LorenzoCalderon Jr. regarding a bid from Robinson Ford.Text from Lorenzo Calderon - RE: Robinson Ford.

○ Trustee Lorenzo Calderon Jr. was insistent onpushing the District to have a contract withRobinson Ford.

○ Interim Superintendent Carlos Gonzales letthe new Assistant Superintendent of BusinessServices, Mr. Cesar Vega, know about therequest to follow up. Mr. Cesar Vega followedup with Randy Robinson.

● For the board meeting of November 8, 2018, Mr.Cesar Vega added a modified version of thepresentation he had originally planned and preparedfor the School Board to review, and added the quotefrom Robinson Ford that was requested by LorenzoCalderon.

○ Original Presentation and UpdatedPresentation to include Robinson Ford. BoardMeeting Nov. 8, 2018 recording. See time1:48:34 where Cesar Vega states he added a

● Violation of BoardPolicy 9200 -Limits of BoardMembersAuthority: “TheBoard ofEducationrecognizes thatthe Board is theunit of authorityover the districtand that a Boardmember has noindividualauthority. Boardmembers shallhold the educationof students aboveany partisanprinciple, groupinterest, orpersonal interest”

● Changed an agenda atthe last minute, to add avendor, Robinson Ford,that he wanted.

● A board member gettinginvolved in Districtbusiness.

● CarlosGonzales

● CesarVega

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new vendor, Robinson Ford.● Trustees Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon Jr. on

multiple occasions, similar to this one, have their ownagenda and will do anything to push their personalinterests.

50.● During the last few years Elisa Ramirez has felt that

both Ciro Calderon and Lorenzo Calderon Jr. havebeen discriminatory towards females. We lostexecutive level administrators such as Maria Ambriz(no substantiated reason provided for her release)and Mei Randle (Asst. Sup. of Business) and NoreenMcGuillion (business manager), Joan Hansen(school administrator) to name a few femaleadministrators. Maria Ambriz felt harassed andintimidated by Ciro and Lorenzo. Often during boardmeetings, the executive team would be kicked out ofclosed sessions. Before every board meeting shewould share to Carlos and Elisa how nervous shewould be. Sometimes she would cry, pray, or feel sickbefore a board meeting.

● Maria Ambriz did proceed to sue board members(Ciro, Lorenzo and Enrique). The district was servedon July 17, 2019. Email notifying CUSD was served

● During Maria Ambriz’s Superintendent CUSD hadfemale board members such as Ruth Duarte, NormaAguilar and Priscilla Real. After Maria Ambriz wasreleased CUSD started losing female members andfor a couple years there were only male boardmembers.

● On Nov. 10, 2020, Cesar Vega shared with the teamsamples of wording on plaques that would beordered to place on buildings built with Measure Vfunds. The wording resembles many plaques that areplaced around our district. When samples werepresented to the school board for discussion inclosed session, Elisa Ramirez and Brian Thurmanwere asked to leave closed session. The

● Violation of Title VIIof the Civil RightsAct of 1964

● Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964Other Information

● Title VII prohibitsemploymentdiscrimination basedon race, color,religion, sex andnational origin.

● GenderDiscrimination andHostile Environment

● Gender Discrimination ● Mei Randle● Noreen

McGuillion● Joan

Hanson● Maria

Ambriz● Carlos

Gonzales● Mike

Castillo● Norma

Aguilar● Priscilla

Real● Veronica

Garcia

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recommendation by Carlos Gonzales and CesarVega was to include Elisa Ramirez and BrianThurman’s name on the plaques, however, themajority of the board, which included Ciro Calderon,Lorenzo Calderon and Enrique Alvarado, moved tonot include Elisa Ramirez and Brian Thurman’snames on the plaques. Based on Elisa Ramirez’ 30years of dedication and commitment to CUSDstudents, Elisa Ramirez did take it personal andbelieved this was discriminatory towards her since noexplanation was provided as to why her name wasremoved. Ciro Calderon was Elisa Ramirez’sneighbor (directly in front). Shortly after he resignedas a board member, June 24, 2106, Elisa Ramirezhanded out “Vote for Measure V” lawn signs to herneighbors. On a Friday night, Elisa Ramirez’shusband along with other neighbors gathered in thenext door house. Ciro joined them and told them inSpanish not to vote for Measure V because theDistrict employees were a bunch of thieves. ElisaRamirez’s husband did not want to tell Elisa thatnight as to not to upset her and told the following day(Saturday). Elisa Ramirez reported this to MariaAmbriz on Monday when she returned to work. CiroCalderon, along with Lorenzo Calderon often takethe credit for the work that the executive team andother administrators do.

● proposed plaques 11-10-20● proposed plaques 11-19-20

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51.● Darla Dreesen, ACT Union President: Regarding

Dennis Price, Letter of No Confidence Investigation.○ On May 7, 2021, in a phone call at

approximately 12:45pm, Darla told Dr. BrianThurman, Assistant Superintendent of HumanResources, said that the Board told her thatBrisa threatened them with a lawsuit if theypicked on Dennis.

● See ITEM #19 - Under Brisa Huerta Price.● There is no evidence that Brisa Huerta-Price has

made such a threat, however it is evident thatTrustee Ciro Calderon disclosed confidentialinformation with Darla Dreesen.

● Violation of Bylaw9011: Disclosure ofconfidential/privileged information.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 - Limitsof Board MembersAuthority: “TheBoard of Educationrecognizes that theBoard is the unit ofauthority over thedistrict and that aBoard member hasno individualauthority. Boardmembers shall holdthe education ofstudents above anypartisan principle,group interest, orpersonal interest”

● MikeCastillo

● DarlaDreesen

52.● On September 12, 2018, Carlos Gonzales dealt with

a harassment complaint filed against Ciro Calderonby , teacher at Dool ElementarySchool. A Calexico Teachers Union representativewas present throughout the complaint.

● and Ciro Calderon were previouslyin a relationship. The relationship ended and

spoke to her site principal letting herknow that Ciro Calderon continued to text her, callher or go to her worksite after she had told him not totalk to her. also shared that she wasafraid of Ciro Calderon and felt unsafe anduncomfortable and continued to stalk her. She thenreached out to the district to seek protection from

● EEOC SexualHarassment

● DEPT of Justice -Stalking

● Stalking and SexualHarassment andIntimidation towardsa female teacher.

● Abuse of authority as aboard member.

●

MargieRobinson

● JoanHanson

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stalking and sexual harassment, stating CiroCalderon was abusing his authority as a boardmember.

● List of Concerns as per . Meetingwith Ms. Garcia on 9-12-2018.

● Email sent to Clifford Weiler and Enrique Alvaradowith report of harassment by to JoanHanson.

● The following was written by to JoanHanson via email on 9-11-2018: “As I havementioned before, I still continue to feeluncomfortable and unsafe having Mr. Ciro C.Calderon at my work school site. He continues toharass me via text and since I don’t respond to him Ifeel as though he uses his position to try to approachme at school and I feel that he continues to abuse hisposition of authority as he has previously done in thepast.”

● The resolution was for Ciro Calderon not to step onthe campus of Dool School and for Teacher

to advise Carlos Gonzales of any continuedharassment or retaliation. Email on 9-18-18 to UnionRepresentative and

53.● On 5-14-21 Alejandra Limon, Title IX Coordinator

received a call from Luisa Fuller, RockwoodPrincipal, at 7:44 a.m. seeking help regarding aparent request.

● According to Luisa Fuller, Ester Sevellano, a parent,called to request that she be allowed to post herdaughter’s banner on the fence facing the corner ofRockwood Ave and Hwy 98. Apparently, Ms.Sevellano’s daughter, who is not a RockwoodStudent, was participating in a boxing championshipand she wanted to recognize her. Luisa Fuller let Ms.Sevellano know that she would ask if it was allowed.Luisa Fuller called Mr. Vega’s office to seekpermission. Mr. Vega advised her that it would not be

● Board Bylaw 9200 –Limits of Boardmember Authority“Individual Boardmembers do nothave the authority toresolve complaints.Any Board memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer the complainantto theSuperintendent ordesignee so that the

● A board member madean individual decision tooverride CUSD protocolsto appease an adult fromthe community.

● Could this be considereda violation of the BrownAct? Considering thatthe decision was notmade during an officialboard meeting by aquorum of boardmembers?

● Are board members

● LuisaFuller

● AlejandraLimon

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allowed as per CUSD board policy and protocols. BP1325 Advertising and Promotion

● Luisa Fuller called the parent to inform them that asper CUSD protocols the banner could not be postedon the fence. The parent became upset and thenbegan to post on Facebook. Luisa Fuller thenreceived a Facebook message from Tony AguileraVizcarra who stated that he would call the mediabecause it was not right. (Please see attachedevidence for the full message)

● I (Alejandra Limon) advised Luisa Fuller to followCesar Vega’s directive. She was concerned becausethe Facebook post was becoming viral and she didnot like how she was being portrayed.

● Luisa Fuller called Ms. Sevellano again to let herknow that Cesar Vega would be calling her to discussthe matter. At that point, Ms. Sevallano stated that itwas no longer necessary because a board memberhad already approved/allowed her to post the banneron the fence. After viewing the Facebook post, theonly board member that responded to the post wasMr. Ciro Calderon. Facebook post

● Even though BP1325 has been a topic ofconversation with all board members in which wehave discussed the process for placing banners orposters on our school fences. Although the parentrefused to disclose which board member gave herpermission, we believe that because Ciro Caldeon,responded to “OK” on the facebook account that theparent believed he had approved the banner beplaced on Rockwood Elementary fence. This hasplaced the principal and district office administrationin a very difficult position.

● On 5-18-21 the parent who put up the banner calledCesar Vega’s office and was transferred to ElisaRamirez. Parent was very upset because she didnot agree that her banner could not be posted andhad to be removed by Friday (5-21-21). ElisaRamirez provided her a response and explained why

problem may receiveproper considerationand be handledthrough theappropriate districtprocess.”

allowed to supersede theauthority of the principal,Assistant Superintendentof Business Services,and the CUSD protocolsas an individual citizen?

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her poster could not be placed on our schools’ fenceand that ultimately the school site principal would bethe indicated person giving permission to placebanners and not a board member.

● This is another example of how individual boardmembers contradict what has already been agreedby the entire Board and as a result puts the districtadministration in a very complicated situation. Thisconsistent pattern undermines the authority ofadministration to follow established policies andprocedures.

● On 5-19-21 Luisa Fuller called Elisa Ramirez @ 7:23to let her know that Ms. Sevellano’s poster had beentaken down from someone and a new poster fromanother student was put up. Elisa Ramirez informedLuisa Fuller to have the staff take it down, save it inthe office, and return it to the parent if they went toher office. This is exactly the reason the district hasestablished procedures for placement of banners.On 5-20-21 Tania Guillen, parent of the newly placedbanner emailed Elisa Ramirez asking what is theproper process for placing banners as her bannerwas taken down.

● This is exactly why our board has establishedprocedures.

54.● On May 13, 2021, the Executive Cabinet team

recommended to the school board the new ExecutiveDirector of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations.During the closed session this position wasextensively discussed and they interrogated EstherMartinez, Personnel Commision Director. TheExecutive Team was asked to leave the buildingbecause Ciro Calderon wanted to discuss somethingin private. Trustee Richard Romero questioned whythe Executive Team was being asked to leave. CiroCalderon stated he had something to share with therest of the board. Richard Romero insisted that they

● Violation of BoardPolicy 4111–Recruitment andSelection “The Boardof Education desiresto employ the mosthighly qualified andappropriate personavailable for eachopen position inorder to improvestudent achievementand efficiency in

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stay. Amy Estrada then asked Ciro Calderon if hewanted to tell her in private and they stepped to theside. When they returned Ciro Calderon shared

When the approval of the classifiedemployment report was presented, Richard Romeromade a motion to approve and Ciro Calderonseconded but wanted to pull the Executive Director ofFacilities, Maintenance and Operations position. AmyEstrada informed them that they had to go with theoriginal motion and then if it didn’t pass do anothermotion. The motion did not pass. Ciro Calderonmade a motion to approve the certificated report andpull the Executive Director of Facilities, Maintenanceand Operations position. Margarita Magallanesseconded. Richard asked why his name was beingpulled. Amy reminded the board that by notappointing him, they would not be able to fill in theposition for a year. Enrique Alvarado said he wouldabstain. Richard explained that the PC made arecommendation and had an extensive process.After having board members going back and forth toquestion Amy Estrada, Ciro Calderon retracted hismotion and requested to go back to closesession.5-13-21 Board Meeting YouTube (see minute1:35)

● The majority of the school board questioned the

. The board doesnot have maintenance and operations expertise,however they still dismissed the expertise of the

district operations.”“No person shall beemployed by theBoard without therecommendation orendorsement of theSuperintendent ordesignee.”● Undermining

PersonnelCommisionHiring Process.

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9200 – Limitsof Board memberAuthority “IndividualBoard members donot have theauthority to resolvecomplaints. AnyBoard memberapproached directlyby a person with acomplaint shouldrefer thecomplainant to theSuperintendent ordesignee so thatthe problem mayreceive properconsideration andbe handled throughthe appropriatedistrict process.”

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Executive Team and Personnel Commission Director.

As has been expressed inthis document, their actions demonstrated they hadtheir own hidden agenda, completely dismissing thePersonnel Commission and the interviewing panel'srecommendation.

● That evening the executive team was made awarethat Ciro Calderon had previous conflicts with theolder brother of the recommended candidate. Duringagenda review Ciro Calderon pretended not to knowthe candidate. He also pretended not to know thecandidate during the closed session. Ciro Calderonquestioning everything about this candidate could beperceived as retaliation, especially since he hadnever asked so many questions about priorcandidates.

55● Since Trustee Ciro Calderon became Board

President, the number of items being added to theagenda significantly impact the duration of each ofour board meetings. The average length of a CUSDboard meeting now is between 5 - 7 hours which is aviolation of the Ralph M. Brown Act as they becomea burden for the public, staff, and affect the decisionmaking of the Board.

● On occasions, when action items remainunresolved in the agenda, the Board of Trusteestypically extends board meetings by 1-hourintervals until all items are taken action on.

● February 11, 2021 - 5:00 pm to 10:45 pm● January 14, 2021 - 5:00 pm to 12:23 am● December 20, 2020 - 5:02 pm to 9:54 pm● June 25, 2020 - 5:00 to 11:17 pm● November 21, 2019 - 5:05 to 11:01 pm

● Violation of BoardBylaw 9323 –Meeting Conduct“Regular Boardmeetings shall beadjourned no laterthan 10:00 p.m. orfour hours after themeeting starts,whichever is sooner.The Board shallcommit to voting onall action items by10:00 p.m., and willnot discuss, vote, ortake any action onany new item(s) after10:00 p.m. Underextenuating

● The Boardof Trustees

● CUSDStaff

● CarlosGonzales

● ElisaRamirez

● BrianThurman

● CesarVega

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● October 24, 2019 - 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm● June 20, 2019 - 5:00 to 11:12 pm

circumstances, aboard meeting maybe extended to 10:30p.m. if agreed to by amajority of theBoard. Under thosecircumstances only,the meeting may beextended to 10:30p.m. and shallthereafter beadjourned to a laterdate.”

● Violation of Bylaw9121(3) - BoardPresident: Enforcethe Board's policiesrelating to theconduct of meetingsand help ensurecompliance withapplicablerequirements of theBrown Act.”

*As per our discussion with legal, this list will continue to be updated.

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