District 1 votes to seek teacher dismissal

The Yuma Elementary School District 1 board voted unanimously 5-0  for a motion to adopt the administration's written statement of charges seeking certified teacher Darla Dreeson's dismissal and that the statement of charges be served upon Dreeson in a manner consistent with Arizona law.

The governing board also moved that Dreeson's employment terminate in 30 days after she receives the statement of charges unless she timely requests a hearing.

The board also moved Friday that if Dreeson asked for a hearing on the issue that they authorize the administration to select a hearing officer in a manner consistent with Arizona law, that the hearing officer hear the evidence, prepare a record and issue a recommendation to the governing board.

The District 1 administration declined to say specifically what led to this action. But last month the Yuma Sun received a link to a video posted on YouTube.com. It showed a group of male students at Gila Vista Junior High School apparently roughhousing while occasionally looking into the camera.

The person who sent the link was a concerned parent who questioned why the teacher in the video appeared to have done nothing to stop their boisterous behavior.

Dreeson is employed at Gila Vista Junior High and reportedly was in the the YouTube video.

Just after the board members convened Friday's special meeting, they met in a closed executive session where they conferred with legal counsel.

District board president Greg Wilkinson said it is board policy to notify the public of all procedural meetings. But the board cannot comment on any ongoing personnel actions or litigation, he added.

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.