Concerns arose at Fletcher Middle School regarding the reinstatement of P.E. teacher Peter Colombo, who faced rape allegations from 2001. Parents expressed anxiety over student safety, particularly through parent Clark Barrett, who is leading a petition for the teacher's reassignment. Despite the serious allegations, charges against Colombo were dropped due to insufficient evidence in April 2023. Parents criticized school officials for a lack of communication regarding the situation. Colombo has since sued the district for alleged violations of his rights and defamation, claiming procedural errors in the investigation.
Parent Clark Barrett, leading a petition against the teacher's reinstatement, expressed the need for school officials to address community concerns, stating, "They made this decision to place him at a school, so we feel like they need to engage with the community and concerns around this placement."
The reinstated teacher, Peter Colombo, faced accusations of raping an 11-year-old girl in 2001, leading to community anxiety as students reported feeling unsafe.
Superintendent Don Austin, HR Director Herb Espiritu, and Principal Melissa Howell have been criticized for not communicating with parents about the safety concerns regarding the teacher's return to the classroom.
Charges against Peter Colombo were dropped in April 2023 by the District Attorney due to lack of evidence, emphasizing the trauma's impact on a child's memory.
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