The Covina-Valley Unified Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for 5:30 p.m. It has one item on the agenda: “Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release.” (Watch the meeting above.)
The employee, according to a statement by the union representing the district’s teachers, is the district’s superintendent, Richard Sheehan.
“The Covina Unified Education Association, representing all of C-VUSD’s certificated educators, stands adamantly opposed to this decision,” the union wrote in a statement on Friday. “As an organization we demand that the Board honor, maintain and retain Dr. Sheehan for the entirety of his contract through June 2023.”
On Sunday, the union issued another statement that does not mention Sheehan or any other district employee by name.
“The Covina Unified Education Association leadership and members have been notified of recent allegations raised about an employee of C-VUSD. We are aware that the proper agencies have been informed,” the union wrote. The statement does not elaborate on the allegations.
“As an organization, we respect and defend the right to due process and confidentiality in all personnel matters,” the statement continues. “As such, we intend to allow the process to proceed uninterrupted and without any speculation.”
According to the agenda for the regular board meeting, the board will consider appointing an interim superintendent during closed session.
An online petition in support of Sheehan has been signed by more than 3,000 individuals. The board of education is accepting public comment from 3 to 5 pm this afternoon. Public portions of the special meeting will be streamed online, followed by the regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m.
This is a developing story. We will update as we learn more.
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