Politics & Government

Parents 'Disappointed' That Ethnic Slur Teacher, District Couldn't Settle

As LCUSD begins its dismissal process for Gabrielle Leko, who made fun of a student's stammer and called another child "Jew Boy,'' one parent bemoaned how the lengthy dismissal process will drag out the "divisive'' situation.

The inability of embattled teacher and the to reach a settlement that would terminate her employment has left some people feeling disappointed.

, whose daughter complained to administrators about Leko's inappropriate language and mocking of a classmate, said Tuesday that failing to reach a settlement elongates a painful chapter in the district's history. 

"We are disappointed that Ms. Leko refuses to take any responsibility for her actions, and continues to refuse to engage in any meaningul settlement discussions that would bring this painful and divisive incident to a close,'' Archuleta said on behalf of herself and her daughter, Alyssa Stolmack.

Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stolmack addressed LCUSD at the governing board's November meeting, telling members about Leko's in class, and asked that she be held accountable. Archuleta complained to a counselor and LCHS Principal Jackie Luzak during the 2010-'11 school year that 

Leko has not responded to requests for comment. Mandy Redfern, president of the La Cañada Teachers Association, wrote in an email that she could not comment, as she was unaware that the district made a statement about the lack of a settlement.

Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Public Complaint Against Leko

Having received information from several people that Leko spoke inappropriately to students, former LCUSD board member Cindy Wilcox--acting as a member of the public--filed a formal complaint in June. Leko is accused of calling a student as well as allegedly using other racial and ethnic slurs in class, in addition to exhibiting gender discrimination against female students.

Wilcox' public complaint--which included first-hand accounts from at least one student and her parent--led to a district investigation and multiple closed-door sessions that resulted in a to initiate dismissal procedures if no settlement could be reached. Back in November, an found, in part, that Leko used inappropriate language in class as a means to banter with her students. 

Since then, a substitute teacher has been assigned to Leko's room at all times while she's teaching, the and is allowing any students who want to transfer out of her class to take that course from the teacher hired mid-year. 

All of these actions follow Wilcox' complaint--a complaint that, under a , may not have been considered valid. Board members at the March 6 meeting will discuss the employee complaint policy and whether a complainant should have any standing if he or she did not witness the event firsthand.

As for the district's statement Tuesday that it, Wilcox said that while she was disappointed that common ground could not be found, she applauded the decision to pursue firing the veteran math teacher. 

"Dismissal is time-consuming, could take a year or more, and I appreciate that the board and staff are committing to this crucial next step. It's the right thing to do,'' she said Tuesday.

But "the dismissal process is going to cost the district time and money--resources that could be spent on education-- ... but I agree that the safety and well being of our kids is the top priority,'' Wilcox added. 

What's Next?

With no settlement on the table, the investigation into Wilcox's uniform complaint--a more serious type of complaint--will commence. Investigator Deanne Neiman, unafiiliated with LCUSD, has contacted at least two families. Wilcox would like all of Leko's honors geometry students, roughly 50 students, to be interviewed, but that is up to Neiman.  

The district should provide a report to Wilcox about the complaint's standings in early March.

Meanwhile, Leko will continue to teach as the dismissal proceedings unfold. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here