Difficult Times Coachella Valley Federation of Teachers creator cau Coachella Valley American Federation of Teachers 1976 eng 58 p. Newspaper articles Protesters force closing of five CV area schools Three teachers join demonstrators Adams, Frank creator Coachella Valley High School, Dateland School, Palm View School, Valley View School, and Peter Pendleton School were closed due to more than 300 demonstrators protesting in front of Dateland School. Protesters were members of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education, and were joined by Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, and Charles Marquez. The group is seeking the dismissal of Don Cochran, accused of child molesting, and Jane Coffey, accused of child abuse. Dr. Eugene Tucker, district superintendent, said the allegations were without proof or evidence. Demonstrators said trying to gain control of schools Parse, Neil creator Coachella Valley School District closed all schools today due to protests by Community Committee for Alternative Education. The group demands the removal of two teachers Elizabeth Jane Coffey and Don Cochran for child abuse. The school board reassigned Coffey and Cochran to non-teaching positions. Superintendent Eugene Tucker said the legal status of the teachers involved in the demonstration is coming into question. Tucker said a complaint of the CCAE is that the district is not "sensitive" to Chicano needs and they want control of the schools. Coachella schools vandalized Adams, Frank creator Peter Pendleton School in Coachella was vandalized. Jack Porter, maintenance and operations supervisor for Coachella Valley Unified School District, stands to the left of the painting. The image was spray painted onto a brick wall. CVUSD eyes possible action against teachers Joined demonstration Adams, Frank creator Coachella Valley Unified School District is considering possible action against Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquis and Socorro Quintero for their participation in the school protests lead by "militant" demonstrators. Bill Stewart, president of the district chapter of American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reports the union is considering the expulsion of the four teachers. Roman Koenig is the former chapter president of AFT. State probe of CV school strife eyed Adams, Frank creator Richard Baca, assistant to Wilson Riles, state superintendent of public education and specialist in Mexican-American relations, may come to Coachella to investigate the protests in Coachella Valley Unified School District. Dr. Eugene Tucker met with State Senator John Stull, R-Leucadia, and with the mayor Lester C. Cox Jr. to inform the senator of the school protests. CCAE is demanding the removal of Jane Coffey and Don Cochran from their teaching positions. Cochran is accused of child molestation and Coffey is accused of child abuse. The Coachella Police Department have found no evidence to support the allegations. A claim for $1.5 million in damages was denied in January. Saturday classes may be in offing Coachella Valley Unified School District is considering the option of Saturday class to make up for cancelled classes due to school demonstrations. The district could possibly loose $1 million due to the forced closing of schools. Community Committee for Alternatives in Education is demanding the removal of two Coachella teachers. Teachers, Socorro Quintero, Yolanda Almaraz, Roman Koenig, and Charles Marquis are being questioned for their abuse of the personal necessity leave policy that allows teachers to take time off. Crystal City takeover tactics surface again Adams, Frank creator Motives of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education are linked to La Raza Unida Party. The role of the L.R.U.P. in the Coachella Valley school demonstrations is being questioned. Reports have not been confirmed. Frank Adams believes the a "Crystal City takeover" is more believeable than the allegations of child abuse in the schools State aide continues CV school discussions Special personnel meetings Adams, Frank creator Julio Escobedo from the State Department of Education met with CVUSD administrators. Community Committee for Alternatives in Education staged protests at the last school trustees meeting. Bill Stewart, of the Federation of Teachers, said the union voted against providing legal aid for Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez, and Socorro Quintero. Statement on CVUSD furor expected soon More closed sessions held Adams, Frank creator Coachella Valley Unified School District trustees met again in closed session to discuss what actions would be taken against six teachers involved in the Coachella school conflict. Schools were closed as a result of school demonstrations. Ed Madruga, Indio attorney, submitted a civil claim in Superior Court of behalf of Yolanda Almaraz and Augustine Garcia. The Federal Communications Commission is investigating charges that a Spanish language radio station encouraged parents to keep their children from school. For immediate release Coachella Valley Unified School District creator All Coachella Valley Unified School Districts will be open Monday, April 19. Security precautions to assure the safety of students will be implemented. Several staff transfers will take place beginning on Monday. Dr. Tucker is making efforts to meet with the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education to resolve the conflict. Students who participated in the school demonstrations will not be subject to disciplinary action if they return to school on Monday. Four more Coachella Valley district teachers reassigned Parse, Neil creator Jane Coffey, Ron Cochran, Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, and Charles Marquez have been reassigned by the Coachella Valley Unified School District school board. The school district is working with Coachella Valley Police Department on "security precautions" for the reopening of schools on Monday. Community Committee for Alternatives in Education is advocating bilingual education for all district schools. Coachella Valley school board threatened with recall Parse, Neil creator Community Committee for Alternatives in Education will start a recall drive of all six trustees if certain demands are not met. Committee members want teachers Jane Coffey and Don Cochran to be fired, and they want no disciplinary action against teachers or teacher aides who supported the demonstrations. 300 committee members attended a school board meeting last week. George Esquivel told reporters that in a private meeting Supt. Eugene Tucker said Cochran and Coffey would be fired if they were in Palos Verdes or Beverly Hills school districts. Tucker said later Friday he actually said in "sophisticated" areas parents could follow established procedures. Administration to open CVUSD schools Monday Safety of students assured Adams, Frank creator Meetings have been held with the Coachella Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Department at Indio to assure the safety of students in case of more demonstrations. Five teachers have been reassigned from teaching positions to the district office. Bill Stewart, president of the district chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and Virginia Johnson of the chapter of California Teachers Association said both groups support the reopening of the schools. School trustees face CCAE recall threat Unless demands are met Adams, Frank creator The CCAE will initiate recall proceedings against school trustees if the committee's demands are not met. George Esquivel, grievance chairman, made the statement yesterday at a press conference. At this press conference Esquivel stated there was no connection between the Coachella Valley school conflict and the La Raza Unida Party. He explained the CCAE tried repeatedly to meet with the board in executive session, but finally had to do it in a public session. State-Level AFT Parley eyed in teacher dispute Topic: CVUSD demonstrations Adams, Frank creator The executive chapter of the Coachella Valley chapter of the American Federation of Teachers voted to deny legal assistance to Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, and Charles Marquez. The union is hoping to meet with state representatives of the AFT. Dr. Eugene Tucker submitted his resignation due to pressure from a majority of the board of trustees in December. Although Bobby Duke is not set to start as superintendent until July 1, he has already started assuming responsibilities. 300 members of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education came to the April 7th meeting of trustees. The group accused Jane Coffey of hitting a student and teacher Yolanda Almaraz, and Don Cochran of molesting two ten-year-old students. Both teachers have been reassigned. Parents, teachers join in demand for stability CVUSD turmoil deplored Adams, Frank creator Parents and Teachers Together (PATT), a newly organized group, will be present at tomorrow's meetings of the trustees of Coachella Valley Unified School District. The group demands action to stop school demonstrations. Virginia Johnson, president of district chapter of California Teachers Association, said that CTA attorneys will be present at the meeting to assist PATT members. A conflict in the school district has occurred since the trustee meeting on April 7th when the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education attended in high numbers. School was resumed on April 17th, but attendance has since been low. CCAE seeks change in school policy towards bilingual education. Union action Letter to editor Almaraz, Ernesto creator Ernesto Almaraz questions why Bill Stewart and John Griffin, officers of the American Federation of Teachers Local 2247, denied aide to the three teachers who demonstrated with students before action was taken against them by Coachella Valley trustees. The author of the letter questions the actions of Stewart and Griffin and accuses them of acting unprofessionally. School board will ask for grand jury probe Coachella demonstrations cited Adams, Frank creator Riverside County Grand Jury will investigate school demonstrations that resulted in the closing of Coachella Valley Unified District schools in early April. Two weeks ago trustees considered a petition by Concerned Parents of CVUSD which asked for an investigation. Anthony Garcia, member of Coachella Valley City Council and chairman of the Concerned Parents Committee, requested the teachers involved in the demonstrations be dismissed. Attorney Gary Scherotter was present at the trustee meeting and said the investigation could extend into operation of the district itself and other areas. Witness claim members of Coachella Valley City Council and employees of state and county agencies have taken part in anti-school demonstrations. Coachella Valley board asks probe of demonstrators Parse, Neil creator Wednesday night the school board requested a Grand Jury investigation in Coachella Valley Unified School District. The board voted unanimously to determine if there was criminal conduct connected to the school demonstrations. Residents asked the investigation examine district operations as well but the board decided against that investigation. The Concerned Parents group asked the school board to dismiss teachers Roman Koenig, Charles Marquez, Yolanda Almaraz, and Socorro Quintero for unprofessional conduct. The board also has to decide whether the day of canceled school will have to be made up. CVUSD teacher fired, 1 protester reassigned Action follows demonstrations Adams, Frank creator Dateland School teacher Roman Koenig was served with a notice of the board's intention to dismiss him. Socorro Quintero was reassigned from Mecca Elementary School to work at the district administrative center. Koenig has 30 days to appeal the notice. Demonstrations started after a school board meeting attended by Community Committee for Alternatives in Education who advocated the removal of teachers Jane Coffey and Don Cochran. Mrs. Coffey has announced she plans to retire at the end of the year. Lifting of teachers' credentials recieves backing of school board Coachella Valley Unified School District school trustees decided to seek the revocation of the teaching credentials of Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez, Socorro Quintero and Donald Cochran. Roman Koenig has been fired, and the four other teachers have reassigned to non-teaching duties. The teachers are accused of "unprofessional conduct". Hiring Counsel Letter to editor Graciella, William J. creator Letter written in response to Caesar Koenig's letter. Criticizes Koenig for his unsubstantiated praise of the teachers and criticises the teacher's union as a whole. Professionalism Letter to editor Griffen, John creator Stewart, Bill creator Letter on behalf of the Coachella Valley Federation of Teachers Union, written in response to a letter by Ernesto Almaraz. Heavily criticises the teachers who took part in the demonstrations. Techer firing leads to picketing outside home of Mecca principal Teacher Roman Koenig was served with a notice of dismissal in response to his participation in school demonstrations. Socorro Quintero was transfered out of classroom to the district office, where the other teacher who participated (Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz and Charles Marquez) have already been sent. People picketed outside home of Mecca Elementary School principal Murry Southard. Comment by Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent Bobby G. Duke. Board asks revocation of teacher credentials All six in controversy named Adams, Frank creator Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent Bobby Duke announced that they are seeking revocation of teaching credentials of six teachers involved in dispute: Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Socorro Quintero, Charles Marquez, Don Cochran and Jane Coffey. Coffey has take a leave of absense and the other teachers have been assigned non-teaching positions in the district office. The State Department of Education will conduct an investigation to determine whether or not their credentials will be revoked. Mentions protest by Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE), and their charges of abuse by Cochran and Coffey. Duke target of picketers in Coachella Picketers demonstrated non-violently in front of the home of Bobby G. Duke, the superintendent of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. The Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) is seeking the dismissal of Don Cochran and Jane Coffey, charging them with child abuse, while four teachers (Koenig, Marquez, Almaraz and Quintero) may lose their teaching credentials for their participation in the Committee. School board will attempt to oust six teachers Parse, Neil creator Coachella Valley Unified School District superintendent Bobby G. Duke announced that, due to "unprofessional conduct," the board has decided to dismiss Roman Koenig, seek the revocation of the teacheing credentials of Quintero, Almaraz, Marquez and Cochran and request the resignation of Coffey - though all teachers have the right to fight the board's action. Koenig plans to appeal and has been assured legal representation by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the California Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO). Four of the teachers participated in protests against the other two, Coffey and Cochran, who they accused of child abuse. 4 teachers' firings to be protested Members of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) plan to attend Coachella Valley Unified School District board meeting, protesting their firing of teacher Roman Koenig and attempt to revoke the teaching credentials of Yolanda Almaraz, Socorro Quintero and Charles Marquez. All four will be defended by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They participated in demonstrations accusing teachers Don Cochran of child molestation and Jane Coffey of abuse. The board has also asked for the revocation of Cochran's credentials and the resignation of Coffey. Executive session secrecy editorials The Ralph M. Brown Act, California's anti-secrecy law, ensures that public agencies remain accountable to the people they serve. Trustees of the Coachella Valley Unified School District met in a closed executive session in order to confer with their attorney and voted to dismiss Koenig, ask for the resignation of Coffey and reassign Cochran, Marquez, Quintero and Almaraz to non-teaching positions. Contrary to district policy they did not announce the decisions made in the executive session until six days later. Though legal, their secrecy is criticized as contrary to the moral intent of the Brown Act. Trustees expect big crowd, hot session Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees plan to meet and anticipate a large crowd, mainly members of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) who are protesting district action against four teacher-members (Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Socorro Quintero and Charles Marquez). The teachers will receive legal assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). CCAE is also demanding the dismissal of two teachers, Jane Coffey and Don Cochran, who they charge with abuse and child molestation. Registrar asks probe of CVUSD ballot rules Gomez candidacy questioned Adams, Frank creator The Riverside County registrar of voters requested an investigation into the trustee election in Coachella Valley Unified School District, challenging the canidacy of Dora Gomez as an eligable citizen. Gomez is a member of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) and was nominated by Socorro Quintero. Demonstration breaks up CV school meeting Rescheduled tomorrow Adams, Frank creator A meeting of the Coachella Valley Unified School District was adjourned due to demonstrations by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) who demanded that the meeting be translated into Spanish. The group continued to demonstrate in the community afterwards, police report is mentioned. CCAE demands the reinstatement of teaching positions for Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez and Socorro Quintero and accuses teachers Don Cochran or child molestation and Jane Coffey of abuse. Dora Gomez claims that Superintendent Eugene Tucker was supportive of their actions. Executive session Letter to editor Ellis, Chuck creator Critical respose to earlier editorial which accused the Coachella Valley Unified School District of immoral secrecy in not proptly announcing the decisions made during their closed executive session, as the Brown Act mandates. Demonstration disrupts Cochella Valley board meetings Parse, Neil creator A meeting of the Coachella Valley Unified School District was adjourned due to demonstrations by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) who demanded that the meeting be translated into Spanish. They specifically objected to Coachella Councilman Anthony Garcia. Most of the demonstrators were youth. CCAE demands the reinstatement of teaching positions for Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez and Socorro Quintero and accuses teachers Don Cochran or child molestation and Jane Coffey of abuse. Judge gives order to halt demonstrations CVUSD truancy attacked Adams, Frank creator Judge issued a temporary restraining order against members of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) to halt demonstrations in Coachella Valley Unified School District. Dora Gomez, among others, is specifically mentioned. CCAE demands the reinstatement of teaching positions for Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez and Socorro Quintero and accuses teachers Don Cochran or child molestation and Jane Coffey of abuse. School board candidate's qualifications challenged One of the candidates for an opening on the Coachella Valley Unified School District board, Dora Gomez, is being challenged as to whether she meets the residency requirements. Gomez is the chairwoman of the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) and she was nominated by Socorro Quintero. Teachers union Letter to editor Koenig, Caesar C. creator Response to the situation in Coachella Valley schools. The author's brother Z.C. Koenig, M.D. served the community as a physician for 15 years. His nephew, Roman Koenig has been in the district for seven years. He and three other teachers are high quality teachers and should not be dismissed. All four teachers are members of union, Local 2247, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, created by Roman Koenig, and the union should support the teachers. Coachella Valley board asks advice on election The Coachella Valley Unified School District board has asked the state wheter an election must be held to let teachers select a bargaining representative. School board rivals offer contrasts The two candidates for the two-year vacancy on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board are clearly defined. Dora Gomez is publicity chairwoman for the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education. She believes the district is not "sensitive enough" to Chicanos. The other candidate, Jean Dawn, condemns the demonstrations and as "more of a hazard than a help" and calls for "harmony." A two year vacancy A two year vacancy on the Coachella Valley Unified School Board is to be filled. The vacancy is in the Oasis-Salton Sea trustee area but voters throughout the district will decide between the two candidates Jean Dawn and Dora Gomez. Miss Gomez and her sister Soccoro Quintero have been active in organizing the demonstrations taking place over the last two months. Jean Dawn has lived in the district for five years and has children in the school district and is a member of the Salton City Chamber of Commerce and Salton Sea Lions Club. The Daily News recommends Jean Dawn for the seat on the board of trustees. Judge extends ban on Indio school disruption A temporary court order prohibiting "disruptions" of school activities by demonstrators in Coachella Valley Unified School District was extended Tuesday until June 25. The school district filed the temporary court order on May 28 following two months of periodic demonstrations at schools by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education. Salton City woman wins school post Jean Dawn of Salton City won in the race to fill a two year vacancy on Coachella Valley Unified School District board of trustees. Mrs. Dawn received 1,765 votes to 418 for Dora Gomez who was supported by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE). The term expires in March 1977. CCAE plans ceremonial demonstration in Indio A spokesperson for the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education planned a ceremonial demonstration to deliver opposition documents to the school districts legal representatives. The demonstration would take place today in front of the law offices of Anderholt and Scherotter, attorneys for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. The demonstration is in response to the injunction imposed upon members of the CCAE by Indio Superior Court Judge Fred Metheny prohibiting the group from further demonstrations at the schools in Coachella Valley. Ruling on CCAE ban due today Lewis, Rita creator A ruling is expected today on a court order to continue to prohibit demonstrations by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education. Judge Warren Slaughter was to review the temporary restraining order against the CCAE. Slaughter said the order would stay in effect until he gave his ruling. The Coachella Valley Unified School District filed the court order to subdue demonstrations by the CCAE. John Rodriguez, of the American Civil Liberties Union, represented the CCAE members while Gary Scherotter represented the school district. Court injunction curbs school demonstrators CCAE activities prohibited Lewis, Rita creator Friday a preliminary injunction was ordered against the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education (CCAE) to prohibit demonstrations in the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Fifty members of the CCAE were present in court when a member of the American Civil Liberties Union argued against limiting the groups right to make itself heard in the community. CVUSD action against teacher ordered dropped Adams, Frank creator On May 14 trustees of Coachella Valley Unified School district served Roman Koenig with a notice of intention to dismiss. Koenig asked for a hearing which started yesterday at 11 AM and was dismissed before 2 pm. The motion to dismiss action against Koenig was granted by Willis Mevis, an attorney from the State Administrative Committee. Teacher named in lawsuit Janet Ochoa, 11, and her guardian Georgia Ochoa of Araby, Coachella filed a claim for $250,000 against Donald Cochran. The suit alleges assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress. The alleged incident is in a sequence of events that resulted in a request for revocation of teaching credentials of six teachers. Teachers facing credential loss may be there at school opening Slow action on "unprofessional" charges Parse, Neil creator A decision on revoking the teaching credentials of five teachers may not be reached before the start of the 1976-77 school year. The school board requested the revocations as a result of the controversy last spring between demonstrators organized by the Community Committee for Alternatives in Education and the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Yolanda Almaraz, Roman Koenig, Charles Marquez, and Soccoro Quintero are charged with participating in the demonstrations. District administrators at first found no evidence to substantiate charges filed against Donald Cochran and Jane Coffey and no specific reason was given for the board's ultimate decision to take action against them. Coachella Valley schools okay leave for one teacher in dispute Parse, Neil creator The Coachella Valley Unified School District school board granted Jane Coffey a one-year leave of absence. The board had asked her to resign but Coffey countered with the request that she receive a leave of absence for the 1976-77 school year. The board has asked the state Department of Education to revoke the teaching credentials of five teachers. The board is waiting to hear from the state. All five teachers, Roman Koenig, Yolanda Almaraz, Charles Marquez, Soccoro Quintero, and Donald Cochran have signed contracts for the 76-77 school year. Educating Change: Latina Activism and the Struggle for Educational Equity 15 http://brown.edu/Research/Coachella/ 1126813026859380 Collection is open for research. In Copyright text