Paradise Valley High School parents were not notified in a timely manner that an investigation was underway into allegations of sexual misconduct by one of the District’s recently deceased employees, Chemistry Teacher Keiko Yoshimine. Yoshimine took her own life shortly after the investigation began.
On October 17, Paradise Valley Principal Ian Deonise advised parents and guardians that Yoshimine passed away, without mentioning that she had taken her own life. The message also made no mention of the fact that Yoshimine had been questioned by Phoenix Police the day before and had admitted to being engaged in inappropriate behavior with at least one young female student.
It wasn’t until after the subject was shared in sensational fashion, sending panic throughout the parental community, that the District finally saw fit to provide additional information to parents on October 24.
Now, questions are being raised as to why Yoshimine was not taken into custody after admitting to officers that she had engaged in inappropriate behavior, both to prevent her from doing more harm to students, and possibly to keep her from doing harm to herself.
The popular Twitter account, @ALegalProcess, operated by attorney Christopher Evans, noted that “just this past May, Coach Yoshimine was highlighted in an ASU student article on teen athletes and mental health…admitting to identifying girls who she perceived needed interventions, how she got close to parents and the girls, picking them up at home, giving them rides to school and to day jobs…and then picking them up again to go to basketball practice.”
While Yoshimine was portrayed as a caring teacher, others say predators often appear in sheep’s clothing, especially in Arizona’s K-12 schools.
Letter to parents dated October 17:
From: Ian Deonise <noreply@pvschoolsnet.myenotice.com>
Date: October 17, 2023 at 4:00:47 PM MST
To:
Subject: Unexpected Loss at Paradise Valley High SchoolReply-To: ideonise@pvschools.net
Paradise Valley High School Community,
Today, I’m writing to inform you of the unexpected loss of a PVHS staff member. Earlier today, I was told that Ms. Yoshimine, a Chemistry teacher at our school, has passed away.
During this difficult time, the family has requested privacy. Additionally, we realize that the loss of life within a community causes anxiety and stress, which is why we will be pulling together supports for students and staff.
Tomorrow, our students and staff will be supported by the District Care and Concern Team, which is made up of social workers, psychologists, and nurses. This team will spend time in the affected classrooms and on our campus, providing support for students and PHVS staff members. Students who are visibly upset will be able to leave class and receive support in a smaller setting. Some students may choose to go home. For most students, we will attempt to return to a normal routine.
In times such as this, children may experience grief, and you may see some of the following in your child:
- Tearfulness;
- Irritability;
- Sleeping too little or too much;
- Withdrawal or feeling of isolation;
- Showing extreme mood swings;
- Acting anxious or agitated;
- Physical complaints – stomachaches, headaches, etc.;
- Temporary dip in grades; and
- Inability to concentrate.
- Here are some ways to help your child with grief:
- Let your child express his or her feelings;
- Offer your child loving support;
- Allow your child to be sad and to cry; and
- Offer your child support and structure in completing homework.
The following link provides suggestions and resources related to supporting children in dealing with grief: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/deathgrief.pdf.
The best support for your child during this time is to continue their routine as usual. They should continue to go to school and attend extracurricular activities.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional support for your child, please contact me by email at ideonise@pvschools.net.
You can also reach me by calling the Paradise Valley High School main office at 602-449-7000.
Sincerely,
Ian Deonise
Paradise Valley High School, Principal
Letter to parents dated October 24:
PVHS Parents and Guardians,
I’m reaching out to you today to provide additional information on a message related to you last week. To avoid the spread of rumors and to provide the community with factual information, I want to share the following:
Today, I’m able to share that on Monday, October 16, Keiko Yoshimine, a Chemistry teacher at our school, was placed on leave, pending the results of a Phoenix Police Department investigation related to misconduct with a student. On Tuesday, October 17, after hearing of Ms. Yoshimine’s unexpected death, we quickly provided the community notice of her passing and long-term plans for class coverage. It’s important to note that last week, had the investigation resulted in police action, we would have been prepared to communicate such information to you.
Since last week, we have continued to be in contact with the Phoenix Police Department, and are now able to share that this investigation is ongoing. Because this is related to an ongoing police investigation, all inquiries must be directed to the Phoenix Police Department.
I know this is information is hard to hear and coming a week after our initial message, however, it’s important for us to provide our community with confirmed and factual information as rumors about the situation have been seen on social media and are circulating within Paradise Valley High School. I’m providing this information to our parent and guardian community to empower you with the ability to have conversations with your children, should the topic arise.
In PVSchools end at Paradise Valley high school, there is nothing more important than the safety and security for students. We do not tolerate misconduct of staff, especially misconduct that directly opposes what we stand for. Furthermore, we cooperate fully with law-enforcement to have any claim of criminal misconduct, investigated on behalf of our district, our schools, and most importantly, the families and students we serve.
Ian Deonise
Paradise Valley High School, Principal
Editor’s Note: The Phoenix Police Department has advised the Arizona Daily Independent that “probable cause was not established during the interview. After her interview, Ms. Yoshimine was escorted off campus, placed on administrative leave, and not allowed back until further notice. Detectives were unaware of any previous mental health issues or statements indicating a danger to self-made by Ms. Yoshimine.” 11-6-23