Mixed Reactions Emerge After West Valley School District Faces Playground Assault Controversy
An assaulted student remains in a West Valley school district, while a district board member who resigned over the controversy continues his campaign to regain his seat on the board.
Liberty Elementary School District recently faced significant backlash after a video surfaced showing a child being assaulted on one of its playgrounds. The child's mother released the footage, sparking outrage, especially as the district claimed it had no records of the assailant’s prior behavior.
This incident led to the resignation of Governing Board President Michael Todd, who stepped down due to concerns over how the superintendent handled the situation.
FROM THE VICTIM’S MOM
West Valley Families spoke exclusively with the student victim’s mom Kristina Guglielmo about the incident involving her child. Guglielmo expressed relief this morning that the situation is now resolved, but acknowledged the entire ordeal was stressful and should never have occurred. Despite the challenges, her family plans to remain in the Liberty Elementary School District, citing their love and appreciation for the teachers at her child's school.
Guglielmo released to us this exchange between her and 12News about a statement provided by Liberty Elementary School District.
We asked Liberty ESD Superintendent Dr. Monroe for a statement. We will provide that once received.
FROM THE BOARD MEMBER WHO RESIGNED
We also heard exclusively from former Liberty ESD Governing Board President Michael Todd today.
If you recall, Todd announced his resignation from the board September 25th - just after Guglielmo released the video of her child’s assault.
Todd provided West Valley Families with a statement about the outcome of the ordeal today.
“I am thankful that the administration of the Liberty Elementary School District finally took proper action to address the assault incident that occurred at Westar Elementary several weeks ago. As President of the Governing Board at the time, I requested that the administration proactively communicate with families and the community regarding the incident. I further requested and pleaded numerous times that the administration conduct a deeper investigation of prior discipline records of the student based on additional information provided by families and teachers of Westar. The administration chose not to take action until after I resigned from the Governing Board.
I was disappointed to learn that the prior long-time principal and assistant principal of Westar kept a record of discipline outside of the district-approved system. If administration would have followed my requests, I believe this issue could have been handled much more expeditiously and without outrage from the community and victim's family and without reputational harm to the other student and family.
At a time of increased threats in schools across the country, proactive communication with families and communities along with immediate investigation is required. Liberty should be no different.”
-Michael Todd | Candidate for Liberty Elementary School District
Former Governing Board President, Liberty Elementary School District
We asked Todd if he plans to continue his campaign for re-election to the governing board. He tells us this morning, “It’s what the people want to happen and I'm committed to them just as I always have been,” while confirming he’s still in the race.
The Liberty Elementary School Board election is November 5, 2024.
West Valley Families has a policy of not endorsing candidates. You can learn about all of the candidates for West Valley school boards here.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
In a surprising announcement, a well-known community member, Michelle Dillard of #PurpleforParents, released a public statement commending the district for its communication and attentiveness throughout the ordeal, offering a more positive perspective on the district’s response to the issue.
“Full transparency…I admire LESD. They have really done some great things and are taking steps in the right direction to focus on academics. I’ve been watching their progress closely. One of the beneficial steps they took was to get rid of PBIS and restorative justice practices. They have created a discipline matrix that will be applied fairly to any student that violates the rules. It was established and disseminated on 07/31/24, prior to this incident. Students, parents, and staff can clearly see the consequences that will be applied across the board for infractions. Perfect.”
-Michelle Dillard | October 3, 2024
JEN’S TWO CENTS
Liberty Elementary School District governing board meets Monday night for it’s monthly board meeting.
As West Valley Families reported earlier this week, Liberty ESD policy calls for the Vice President, in the absence of the President, to “reside over meetings and conduct meetings in accordance with Arizona law and policies of the District.” The current Liberty ESD Vice President is Bryan Parks.
We’ll be watching the meeting Monday and report back.