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Schools

Local Parents Form Group In Support Of Quality Education

Part of the group's formation stems from a complaint against a Elsinore High School teacher.

The Lake Elsinore Unified School District sat somewhat stunned at the April board meeting as parent Doug Leck loudly complained about a Elsinore High School teacher who he said verbally and mentally abused students.

Leck, whose son attends Elsinore High School, said he and other parents had formed a coalition called Concerned Parents for Quality Education. Although formation of the group stems from unhappiness with the unnamed female teacher, Leck said the group wants to be a positive force for the district including participating in and encouraging volunteerism.

He said parents can serve as a security force and watchdog. Leck added that he does not want teachers to be babysitters. But they should be there to help students, he said.

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“We will try to volunteer hours,” said parent Marni Ward. “We want to help, not make a stink.”

Leck said he and the others are shocked at how hard the district has been hit by budget cuts and the prospect of losing even more money as the state hashes out its new budget.

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Leck said he feels bad for the district, but also stressed the need for officials to better police teachers.

“This is a teacher who has abused children,” Leck said.

“Shame on us,” he added. “Kids are threatened and humiliated and the district has to pay for some of it.”

Leck said he has committed 10 hours a week to try to help the district.

“But teachers need to do what they are supposed to be doing,” he said.

He called on unions to stop protecting problem teachers.

“Intimidation of children is wrong," Leck stressed.

Leck complimented Elsinore High School Principal Jon Hurst and his staff for being helpful regarding the teacher matter.

Several parents have complained that the teacher used profanity, joked about obese kids and made fun of religions.

The instructor is not teaching this semester, but the parents want to ensure she doesn’t return next year. The district has heard the complaints, but has not announced any action at this point.

“I think you’re as surprised and as embarrassed as I am,” Leck told the board, and he called on the district to terminate the teacher.

The group says it plans to file criminal charges against the teacher.

Leck said he is currently trying to get the district to provide a psychologist for students who had the teacher in question.

He is trying to expand the Concerned Parents for Quality Education. Leck can be contacted at mruhaul@live.com or (951) 712-0895.

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