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Reform at district follows 3 adult arrests

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Following a string of sexual assault allegations against adults at an Imperial Beach high school, district officials and a local organization are reviewing policies and procedures in hopes of preventing it from happening again.

Over the last several weeks, a tutor, substitute teacher and coach at Mar Vista High, a school in the Sweetwater Union High School District, were arrested on suspicion of engaging in sex acts with minors.

“The district is extremely concerned and distraught over these events and like a lot of folks in the community we have unanswered questions, so we’re trying to do everything we can to make sure law enforcement has what they need in this process,” said district spokesman Manny Rubio. “Ultimately it’s our goal to provide the safest and healthiest learning environment to everyone.”

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A letter dated April 15 and addressed to the Mar Vista High community was posted to the district’s website on Tuesday.

In stated in part, “We recommend that all parents have a frank discussion with their children regarding appropriate versus inappropriate behavior.”

Alejandro Rodriguez, 20, was arrested March 9 and booked into jail on suspicion of four counts of various types of sexual contact with a male student between Feb. 21 and Feb. 28., according to a District Attorney spokesman.

Martin Gallegos, 48, a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, was arrested April 9 on suspicion of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 12th-grade girl, said sheriff’s Lt. Dan Brislin.

Gallegos previously worked as a Navy JROTC instructor at Coronado High School between August 2007 and March 2015.

Another man, Edward Mendoza, a 27-year-old assistant football coach, was arrested April 12 on suspicion of engaging in a sexual relationship with a freshman student for about six months, Brislin said.

The girl’s father discovered “extensive phone conversations” between Mendoza and his daughter and called the Sheriff’s Department.

He pleaded not guilty April 14 to 20 counts, including child molest charges.

Rubio said the series of incidents prompted the district to discuss a refresher course for staff members to complete—similar to initial hire training that helps them recognize signs of inappropriate relationships, including reporting them to Child Protective Services and law enforcement.

Babette Cline, the mother of Mar Vista High senior, said Tuesday the course of action is a step in the right direction but higher standards should be set.

“It is very concerning,” Cline said of the incidents at the school. “I think they (district officials) were quick in dealing with it but I would like to see a tougher screening for people that are going to be working with our kids.”

Rubio said the online training for district employees is extensive, lasting four to six hours with a test is given at the end and a certificate showing that a person completed the training.

It is held throughout the course of the year for new hires with required refresher courses held every so often.

“A lot of it does review relationships with students and reporting something if there’s a reasonable suspicion,” he said. “...We can’t have something going on and everybody knows about it but nothing it done about it.”

Rubio said the district can only react to what they know about.

“Unless someone tells us about it, we’re not going to be able to catch it,” he said. “Part of what we’re really trying to create here is an environment where students feel safe and comfortable enough to be able to share their concerns with adults.”

Cline said while her 17-year-old knows what to do in those types of situations it did prompt a reminder conversation between the two of them.

“I asked her if she was ever around the teachers and told her that if she ever sees anything (inappropriate) she should tell someone,” Cline said.

Patty Chavez, spokeswoman for South Bay Community Services, where Rodriguez was employed, said the agency is constantly reviewing its processes and procedures.

“We’re going to go back and look to see if we need to have more conversations and add training,” she said.

South Bay Community Services provides tutors at various schools within the district.

Chavez said Rodriguez worked with the organization last school year and this school year, tutoring students part-time during the day and after school helping English language learners in math.

“Upon learning about the investigation…Rodriguez was immediately removed from campus and placed on leave,” she said. “He did not return to the school and was subsequently separated from employment following his release on bail.”

Chavez said the organization has a rigorous pre-employment process and all employees—part-and- full time, are required to pass Department of Justice and FBI clearances as well as participate in thorough orientations and trainings.

“He passed all those and background checks, he received letters of recommendation and during his employment there were no complaints—nothing in this record,” she said.

Similarly, Rubio said that all district employees are screened through the same process used by all state school districts, which includes fingerprinting and criminal background checks.

Chavez said the allegations are not a reflection of the school or any of the programs.

Mar Vista High Principal Juan Gonzalez agreed with Chavez.

“Our campus community has come together during this difficult time and we are encouraged by the support we are receiving from the district, law enforcement, and the community as a whole,” he said in an emailed statement. “Our students have access to administration and counselors for any academic and emotional needs they may have while we try to heal from these events.”

In spite of these events, Cline said her daughter is proud of her school and believes it does not reflect its overall environment.

“The school has done a lot for her, it’s helped shaped her—she’s in robotics and is a future engineer,” she said.

Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina said while the issue is a legal one, the city is supportive.

“It’s important that we create culture in the work environment and wherever we are to make sure this doesn’t happen,” he said.

Attempts to reach the school’s parent teacher student organization were unsuccessful.

Staff Writer Lyndsay Winkley contributed to this report.

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