During its March 25, 2024 meeting, the Arizona State Board of Education took action against a number of “educators” who had engaged in unprofessional behavior ranging from grooming and other inappropriate relationships with students all the way to domestic violence.
The case outlined against educator Erin Quigley not only raises questions about the professionalism of teachers, but of the administrators who are supposed to be providing oversight of the classrooms.
SBE Case Re: Erin Quigley
Erin Quigley (“Respondent’) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 491-2226.
Respondent holds a Standard Adult Education certificate, which is set to expire on October 5, 2031. Respondent also holds a Standard CTE Health Careers, K-12 certificate which expires on October 5, 2031. Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate which is set to expire on October 5, 2031. Finally, Respondent previously held a Provisional Secondary Education, 6-12 certificate that expired on February 16, 2020.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Amphitheater High School (“School”) in the Amphitheater Unified School District (“District”) located in Tucson, Arizona, as a Sports Medicine instructor.
Respondent was also an Advisor and Manager to multiple school clubs, which required her to travel off-campus with her students. Respondent shared her personal phone number with these students-and had these students personal phone numbers as well-in order to coordinate logistics and help supervise these students while off-campus.
On January 7, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of unprofessional conduct on behalf of the Respondent from Michelle Tong, the School’s General Counsel and Associate to the Superintendent.
On January 27, 2023, A.J. Malis, the School’s Principal, placed Respondent on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
On February 6, 2023, Mr. Malis sent Respondent a Notice of Investigation that May Result in Discipline.
The formal notice included a summary of findings. The summary included:
On January 26, 2023, a student in your sports medicine class reported that you gave her a gold necklace under the pretext of being a “secret admirer” and have been texting her outside of school to discuss her personal life even though the student never gave you her personal cell phone number. The student said that you text her about personal items and most of your texts do not relate to your sports medicine class assignments. I reviewed multiple text messages between you and the student as part of this investigation and confined that all of those text messages were to the student are from the same phone number that you identified as your cell phone number on the administrative leave notice that you signed on January 27, 2023.
The student also reported that you have publicly discussed your sex life with students, including telling them personal information about abuse you experienced at the hand of your father, and telling at least one specific ways in which you have not completed your gender transition. A student also reported that you invited the class to Thanksgiving dinner at your home and provided students with your home address and personal cell phone number.
In addition, a student reported that you told students that you are a therapist and have invited them to share private information with you. The report said that you have joked with students in class they need to “hook” you up with their “hot aunts” and asked them to reveal if they are sexually active or need you to purchase condoms for them. The report also claims that you publicly discussed an event involving a dog biting your prosthetic breast with the students in your class.
During an interview of a student in your class, administration also learned that you periodically leave the students in your sports medicine class unattended to take a couple of students into a storage closet for up to 20 minutes. A student reported being concerned about your sports medicine class because you let students “run the show” and treat each other with disrespect.
On February 6, 2023, one student statement expressed concern over Respondent’s inappropriate behavior in the classroom. The student wrote:
Respondent brought up many inappropriate comments…months ago toward beginning of the school year. Ms. Q mentioned…., asked what it meant and a student in the room and Ms. Q said out loud what it meant. Made me feel uncomfortable.
Respondent made a comment when learning about BVM (bag valve mask) ventilation… Nobody brought it up, she did.
Student came to class w/ pass and we were learning about eye ball injuries in October. She started to talk about [] her trauma like being raped and the teacher changed the lesson plan and made it a “psychology lesson” it really wasn’t it was just her talking [about] her past.
Respondent talked about her past that she used to….with a lot of women. Mentioned her past sexual experiences.
Girl in class went to restroom. Another student wanted to play a prank on the girl. Asked Ms. Q to be a part of her prank. Ms. Q said sure and how she would do it. When the girl returned from restroom, Ms. Q took a stethoscope and put it on the girl’s midsection and said she heard two heart beats. Before class, the girl told Ms. Q she might be pregnant and Ms. Q offered to buy her a pregnancy test.
On February 1, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
During the March 25 meeting, the State Board of Education followed the staff recommendation they they accept “the Negotiated Settlement Agreement, with conditions, for Erin Quigley and that all states and territories be so notified.”
Negotiated Settlement Agreement:
In consideration of the Board forgoing its option to initiate disciplinary proceedings and hold a hearing in this Matter, Respondent consents to a three-year suspension of her teaching certificate(s) and successful completion of the following terms, whichever is later, for the conduct delineated in the Stipulated Facts, above.
Respondent also agrees to completion of the following term or condition:
CONDITION: NASDTEC Prevention and Correction Course
Within four months of the date this settlement is finalized and approved by the Board, Respondent will complete the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (“NASDTEC”) Prevention and Correction course and within five months of the date the settlement is finalized and approved, Respondent will provide proof of completion of such coursework to the Board. All conditions are at Respondent’s own expense.
“One of the most frustrating and discouraging things to me when I was a member of the State Board of Education was the number of educators brought before us each month for disciplinary action,” former Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas told the Arizona Daily Independent. “The numbers appear to be ever increasing and those are just the ones that get caught! What is wrong with our educator training that somehow they don’t get the message to keep their hands off our children and their sex lives to themselves? What is wrong with our society that the people with whom parents entrust their children abuse those children?”
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SBE Discipline Cases – March 25, 2024
Presentation, discussion and possible action to approve the Negotiated Settlement Agreements for the following individuals:
Andrews Asiedu (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 720-2980.
Respondent holds an International Teaching Secondary, 6-12 certificate, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Betty Fairfax High School (“School”), in the Phoenix Union High School District (“District”), located in Phoenix, Arizona.
On April 10, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of Respondent’s unprofessional conduct from Deana Williams, the Talent Director for the District.
On April 7, 2023, a female student, Student A, provided a statement to the School regarding Respondent’s inappropriate conduct with her.
On April 4, 2023, Student A entered Respondent’s classroom when he told her she “look[ed] good today.” Student A was taking a test in Respondent’s classroom. The lunch bell rang, leaving Student A and Respondent alone in the classroom. Student A went up to Respondent and told him she failed her test.
Respondent asked if Student A wanted to go to lunch or sit and talk with him. Student A told Respondent that her brother was not at school so they could talk. Respondent asked Student A if she went to church, and she said “no, but I used to.”
Respondent then told Student A that he goes to church and would like her to go with him. Student A said she would ask her mom. Respondent said, “what would you say?” Student A told Respondent, “my teacher wants me to go to church with him.” Respondent told Student A not to say that.
Respondent then asked Student A for her phone number because she did not answer him on Teams chat. Then, Respondent said that Student A should be the one asking him for his number.
Respondent began asking Student A personal questions about herself, like asking where she lives. Respondent informed Student A that he lives near her and talked about his cooking and how she should come over to try his cooking.
Respondent also told Student A about traveling to New York, and that he wanted her to go with him.
Respondent told Student A that he wanted to see her everyday and gets sad when he does not see her.
The bell rang and Student A began to walk out of the classroom when Respondent asked her if she had a boyfriend. Student A said “yes”, and Respondent told Student A to stop talking to him.
On April 7, 2023, the School’s Assistant Principal, Ms. Granillo Sotelo, met with Student A and her parents to discuss the allegations against Respondent.
Student A told Ms. Granillo Sotelo about what she disclosed in her statement she submitted to the School. Student A also disclosed that Respondent commented on how she was getting “bigger” and told her not to get bigger like the people in the United States. Student A confessed that Respondent knows where she lives and where she works, and is afraid he will come looking for her.
Another female student, Student B, also reported to Ms. Granillo Sotelo that Respondent has also made her feel uncomfortable. Student B reported that Respondent sometimes grabs her hand and tells her that he missed her being in class.
On April 7, 2023, the School placed Respondent on administrative paid leave pending an investigation into the allegations.
On June 9, 2023, Julie Jones, the Associate Director of School Relations at Greenheart Exchange, informed Ms. Williams that Greenheart would not be reinstating Respondent’s J-1 Visa. Greenheart was Respondent’s designated Visa sponsor.
On June 20, 2023, Ms. Williams informed the Board’s Investigative Unit that the School’s Title IX investigation stopped because Respondent’s J-1 Visa was not renewed and could not meet with requirements of his contract.
On June 23, 2023, Respondent submitted his letter of resignation.
On April 12, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
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Deanna Johnson (“Respondent”) is assigned Educator Identification No. 757-5910.
Respondent does not hold any Arizona teaching certificates.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as a noncertificated aide at North High School (“School”) in the Phoenix Union High School District (“District”) located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Respondent was employed as a Consultant at 360 Degree Therapy, where she received a contract to work for the District.
On September 18, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of unprofessional conduct with a student on behalf of the Respondent from Michael Gard, the District’s Talent Director.
On September 15, 2023, a male student, Student A, and Respondent were in the library doing work at a table. Student A is wheelchair bound and suffers from Cerebral Palsy.
The School’s librarian, David Smithers, witnessed Respondent’s head resting on Student A’s shoulder and chest area. Mr. Smithers also saw Student A’s arms wrapped around Respondent, and it appeared that Student A gave Respondent a kiss.
Mr. Smithers alerted the School’s Media Tech, Lilia Dinicola, of Respondent’s inappropriate behavior with Student A. Ms. Dinicola agreed that Respondent’s conduct was inappropriate. Mr. Smithers alerted School administration and security about the incident.
The School’s video footage revealed that Respondent wrapped her arms around Student A’s waist and placed her head on his chest. Student A then wrapped his arms around Respondent. Respondent initiated the hug that lasted for approximately one minute.
Student A then laid his head on Respondent’s head and Respondent moved her head upwards, so they were cheek to cheek. Student A turned his head into Respondent’s neck area and Respondent moved her had upward.
The District terminated its contract with Respondent for finding that she engaged in inappropriate behavior with a student.
On September 21, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
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Erin Quigley (“Respondent’) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 491-2226.
Respondent holds a Standard Adult Education certificate, which is set to expire on October 5, 2031. Respondent also holds a Standard CTE Health Careers, K-12 certificate which expires on October 5, 2031. Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate which is set to expire on October 5, 2031. Finally, Respondent previously held a Provisional Secondary Education, 6-12 certificate that expired on February 16, 2020.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Amphitheater High School (“School”) in the Amphitheater Unified School District (“District”) located in Tucson, Arizona, as a Sports Medicine instructor.
Respondent was also an Advisor and Manager to multiple school clubs, which required her to travel off-campus with her students. Respondent shared her personal phone number with these students-and had these students personal phone numbers as well-in order to coordinate logistics and help supervise these students while off-campus.
On January 7, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of unprofessional conduct on behalf of the Respondent from Michelle Tong, the School’s General Counsel and Associate to the Superintendent.
On January 27, 2023, A.J. Malis, the School’s Principal, placed Respondent on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
On February 6, 2023, Mr. Malis sent Respondent a Notice of Investigation that May Result in Discipline.
The formal notice included a summary of findings. The summary included:
On January 26, 2023, a student in your sports medicine class reported that you gave her a gold necklace under the pretext of being a “secret admirer” and have been texting her outside of school to discuss her personal life even though the student never gave you her personal cell phone number. The student said that you text her about personal items and most of your texts do not relate to your sports medicine class assignments. I reviewed multiple text messages between you and the student as part of this investigation and confined that all of those text messages were to the student are from the same phone number that you identified as your cell phone number on the administrative leave notice that you signed on January 27, 2023.
The student also reported that you have publicly discussed your sex life with students, including telling them personal information about abuse you experienced at the hand of your father, and telling at least one specific ways in which you have not completed your gender transition. A student also reported that you invited the class to Thanksgiving dinner at your home and provided students with your home address and personal cell phone number.
In addition, a student reported that you told students that you are a therapist and have invited them to share private information with you. The report said that you have joked with students in class they need to “hook” you up with their “hot aunts” and asked them to reveal if they are sexually active or need you to purchase condoms for them. The report also claims that you publicly discussed an event involving a dog biting your prosthetic breast with the students in your class.
During an interview of a student in your class, administration also learned that you periodically leave the students in your sports medicine class unattended to take a couple of students into a storage closet for up to 20 minutes. A student reported being concerned about your sports medicine class because you let students “run the show” and treat each other with disrespect.
On February 6, 2023, one student statement expressed concern over Respondent’s inappropriate behavior in the classroom. The student wrote:
Respondent brought up many inappropriate comments…months ago toward beginning of the school year. Ms. Q mentioned…., asked what it meant and a student in the room and Ms. Q said out loud what it meant. Made me feel uncomfortable.
Respondent made a comment when learning about BVM (bag valve mask) ventilation… Nobody brought it up, she did.
Student came to class w/ pass and we were learning about eye ball injuries in October. She started to talk about [] her trauma like being raped and the teacher changed the lesson plan and made it a “psychology lesson” it really wasn’t it was just her talking [about] her past.
Respondent talked about her past that she used to….with a lot of women. Mentioned her past sexual experiences.
Girl in class went to restroom. Another student wanted to play a prank on the girl. Asked Ms. Q to be a part of her prank. Ms. Q said sure and how she would do it. When the girl returned from restroom, Ms. Q took a stethoscope and put it on the girl’s midsection and said she heard two heart beats. Before class, the girl told Ms. Q she might be pregnant and Ms. Q offered to buy her a pregnancy test.
On February 1, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
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Kendall Spohr (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 696-8715.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional PreK-12 Physical Education certificate, which expires on February 26, 2035.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Lee Williams High School (“School”) in the Kingman Unified School District (“District”) located in Kingman, Arizona.
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Lee Williams High School (“School”) in the Kingman Unified School District (“District”) located in Kingman, Arizona.
On December 14, 2022, Respondent was placed on administrative leave after the School conducted an investigation and found Respondent had engaged in unprofessional and inappropriate contact with students.
Respondent committed the following violations on different dates: engaged in conduct contrary to maintain proper relationships with students, criticized other staff members to students, verbally abused and/or embarrassed students while using profane language, touched students inappropriately, and misused technologies in communicating with students.
Respondent was employed as the Physical Education and Weights teacher at the School. Respondent also worked as the coach and advisor to the girls’ freshman basketball team.
According to the School’s investigation, the following is a summary of Respondent talking about other staff members in an unprofessional manner:
Respondent expressed to students that another staff member was “f-ing rude” by not texting her back.
Respondent would ask student players who the better coach is, and if she is their favorite coach.
Respondent would ask the students if they hate her.
Respondent told students that another staff member could not coach or teach.
According to the School’s investigation, the following is a summary of Respondent’s unprofessionalism during her Physical Education class:
Respondent leaves students unattended in the locker room.
Respondent asked two female students if they are lesbians.
Respondent told a female student that she had nice….
Respondent told students that they are “treating her like s###.” Respondent admits that she used heavy profanity in front of her students.
Respondent would check out the girls in the locker room while they were changing.
Respondent denies that she hugged students from behind.
According to the School’s investigation, the following is a summary of Respondent’s inappropriate touching of students:
Respondent would touch students on their back and rub and massage their shoulders.
Respondent admits that she would not ask the students specifically for their consent before massaging them.
Respondent would hug students from behind.
Respondent asked a student to rub her forehead when she was feeling ill.
Respondent told a student, “not to be a little b####” when she refused to touch a pimple on her ear.
According to the School’s investigation, the following is a summary of Respondent’s unprofessionalism and lack of appropriate boundaries with students:
Respondent used the term “rizz” which she admitted means to “have game” and are able to get a boyfriend or girlfriend. Respondent used the term in conversations with students. Respondent texted students that she has the best “rizz” because she has the best partner.
Respondent asked students who their “hoes” are.
Respondent told students about another player’s personal issues.
Respondent offered a student five dollars to get a boy’s phone number while at McDonalds after an away game. The student refused, however, another student asked what she would get if she got the boy’s number. Respondent told her a free pass from conditioning. The student obtained the boy’s number and age to confirm that he was under the age of 18 and gave it to the first student.
Respondent cried in front of students stating, “you’re making me more depressed.”
Respondent asked students about their relationships and what they do together as couples, such as, “have you kissed?”
Respondent told students a story of when she had her phone taken away as a teenager for “sexting” and then told students how to hide it better.
Respondent claims she never intended to cross any inappropriate boundaries with her students.
On January 23, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
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Hal Tait (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 470-2090.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate, with a start date of March 22, 2018 and an expiration date of September 27, 2030.
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed as an educator at Poston Butte High School (“School”) in the Florence Unified School District (“District”) located in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
On or around August 8, 2022, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Board’s Investigative Unit that Respondent was arrested and/or fingerprinted for Felony Theft and Felony Fraudulent Schemes/Practices on or about August 5, 2022 in Maricopa County, Arizona. His fingerprint clearance card was suspended.
From August 2019 through May 2021, Respondent submitted sixteen unemployment forms to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (“DES”).
DES’s resulting investigation uncovered that Respondent knowingly submitted false claim to DES that he was unemployed during the claim periods when, in fact, Respondent was employed.
Respondent knowingly submitted such false claims underreporting his income for the time covered by the claim period on the following dates:
• August 18, 2019
• August 25, 2019
• September 1, 2019
• September 8, 2019
• September 16, 2019
• September 22, 2019
• September 29, 2019
• October 13, 2019
• October 20, 2019
• March 21, 2021
• March 28, 2021
• April 11, 2021
• April 18, 2021
• May 16, 2021
• May 23, 2021
• May 30, 2021
Based on these sixteen false claim submissions, Respondent received $15,470.00 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of Arizona.
On July 27, 2022, the State of Arizona filed charges against Respondent for sixteen counts of False Statements, one count of Felony Theft, and one count of Felony Fraudulent, Schemes/Practices.
On October 24, 2022, in Case No. CR2022-006466-001 DT, Respondent pled guilty to one count of False Statement (Unemployment Compensation) which charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
As a precondition of the plea agreement, Respondent had to pay $15,470.00 to DES as a full restitution for all counts filed. Respondent also had to pay $366.00 in fines, in addition to various other surcharges and assessments. Respondent had paid the full restitution in May of 2022 prior to being charged and paid the fines and assessments on October 24, 2022.
The conviction was set aside on October 24, 2022.
On October 4, 2022, the Board’s Investigative Unit issued a Notice of Investigation /Surrender to Respondent.
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Chance Weir (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 527-6972.
Respondent holds a Substitute PreK-12 which remains valid until October 28, 2025.
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed at Camp Verde Middle School (“School”) in the Camp Verde Unified School District located in Camp Verde, Arizona.
On or about January 31, 2023, the Arizona State Board of Education Investigation Unit was notified by a parent that Respondent had shown an unauthorized video to his classroom.
On or about December 9, 2022, Respondent showed a video to his sixth-grade classroom entitled “Social Media Dangers Documentary – Childhood 2.0 The Living Experiment.”
According to multiple parents and their children, the video contained explicit or suggestive material that was not appropriate for the students and was not authorized by the School.
The video, which addresses the dangers of social media, discusses suicide and self-harm, and the images on the video include topless women with covered nipples and screenshots of blurred pornography.
Respondent admitted showing the first hour of the video, telling them they will “have to learn about this stuff anyway.” He allowed students the opportunity to leave if they wanted.
Respondent was aware that he needed permission from parents or authorization from the School to show the video to his students. Respondent was sorry for his actions.
On December 9, 2022, Respondent was sent notice that he was being placed on assignment to home with pay.
Prior to Respondent’s resignation, the District drafted a letter to address the incident and establish clear boundaries of accountability, including meeting with the principal weekly to review the week’s lesson plans. On December 28, 2022, Respondent resigned from Camp Verde Middle School.
On January 25, 2024, Respondent provided multiple letters of recommendation and a response to the incident to the Investigative Unit.
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Joshua Zatcoff (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 464-6989.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 Certificate that expires March 21, 2031.
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed as a teacher at Williams Field High School (“School”) in the Higley Unified School District (“District”) in Gilbert,
Arizona.
On May 26, 2023, the Arizona State Board of Education Investigation Unit received a report of unprofessional conduct that occurred on or before May 23, 2023 involving Respondent.
The report listed a litany of possible violations including: failure to report student’s possible drug use, initiating an improper relationship with a student, advertising an unsponsored trip abroad to students, and crossing professional boundaries in written comments to a student.
Respondent, in an end-of-the-year letter, writes to a student that they are the first student “I was ever close to who I’m afraid I may lose.” Respondent also suggests going to the movies with the student because he missed a group movie outing previously.
Respondent also wrote various notes on assignment feedback such as, “My central
point was that the lesson I learned from Maya Angelou was to focus on the ppl I really love,” “you know I’m only doing this because I care about you,” and “Jesus, can’t we just put all this behind us? It’s really dumb + sad to lose our strong friendship over this B.S.”
Respondent advertised a trip to Europe and invited multiple students. One student reported that Respondent paid for his trip. Another student reported that Respondent offered to pay for the trip but declined the offer. Respondent admits that he planned an annual European trip for students to attend, but that this was done with the knowledge and support of his principal.
While on this trip, it was reported that Respondent asked a student about their sexual orientation to which the student replied that they were not gay. The student also reportedly told others that Respondent would talk “around” the idea of people’s sexuality.
The student, while riding on a public train car, also reported that Respondent touched them on the neck, head, and back until the student told him to stop. The student reported that Respondent said the student was sending mixed signals.
The same student reported that Respondent talked about matching with another student on a dating app and that Respondent started a relationship with a former student.
Respondent was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. During the course of the investigation, a witness reported that over-the-counter medications were found in Respondent’s classroom on an open shelf, contrary to District policy. This report was made after the end of the school year.
On May 30, 2023, the Board’s Investigative Unit Issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender to Respondent.
On or about July 24, 2023, Respondent’s counsel submitted a Written Response wherein they acknowledge that Respondent “may have crossed professional boundaries” in connection with the student’s end-of-year letter and assignment feedback, but denies all other allegations.
Negotiated Settlement Agreement with Conditions
In consideration of the Board forgoing its option to initiate disciplinary proceedings and hold a hearing in this matter, Respondent consents to (1) the issuance of a letter of censure, and (2) agrees to the following conditions:
Respondent also agrees to completion of the following term or condition:
CONDITION: NASDTEC Prevention & Correction
Within 45 days of the date this settlement is finalized and approved by the Board, Respondent will complete the NASDTEC Prevention and Correction course and within 60 days of the date the settlement is finalized and approved, Respondent will provide proof of completion of such coursework to the Board. All conditions are at Respondent’s own expense.
Also, within 45 days of the date this settlement is finalized and approved by the Board, Respondent will provide proof of completion of a fitness to teach evaluation and proof of completion of the two (2) courses that Respondent has already completed in Ethics in Education. If Respondent fails to provide proof of completion of the fitness to teach evaluation within 60 days, or, fails the fitness to teach evaluation, Respondent’s certificate(s) will be automatically suspended unless and until Respondent both provides proof of completion of the fitness to teach evaluation and is deemed fit for duty.
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Presentation, discussion and possible action to approve the findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations of the Professional Practices Advisory Committee for the following individuals:
Andrew W. Briones (“Educator Briones”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 698-4643.
Educator Briones holds a Standard CTE Industrial & Emerging Technology, K-12 certificate, which expires on February 10, 2035. [Ex. 1].
At all times relevant hereto, Educator Briones was employed as an educator at Globe High School (“School”) in the Globe Unified School District (“District”) located in Globe, Arizona. [Id.].
On January 11, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Educator Briones was in a staff meeting, which included Michael Mrozinski, the Interim Principal, and Audra Gutierrez, the Assistant Principal. During the meeting, Ms. Gutierrez smelled a strong odor of alcohol emitting from Educator Briones. Ms. Gutierrez reported to the Deputy Superintendent her suspicions that Educator Briones was intoxicated on school grounds. [Ex. 2].
The Deputy Superintendent summoned Educator Briones to Mr. Mrozinski’s office and informed Educator Briones of the report that he smelled of alcohol that morning. [Id.].
The Deputy Superintendent asked Educator Briones if he had been drinking that morning, and Educator Briones stated that he had not. The Deputy Superintendent then asked if Educator Briones had been drinking the night before, and Educator Briones admitted that he had. Educator Briones stated that the day before was a hard day for him. He was kicked out of his girlfriend’s house and had a bad meeting with his mental health provider. [Id.].
When asked what he had been drinking, Educator Briones stated that he had 3 or 4 beers until 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. that morning. [Id.].
The Deputy Superintendent explained the concern about Educator Briones having alcohol in his system while at the School, which is a drug and alcohol-free zone. The Deputy Superintendent and School Resource Officer Verdugo then requested that Educator Briones submit to a breathalyzer test. Educator Briones declined to take the test. [Id.].
Educator Briones then admitted that he continued drinking well into the morning hours, possibly until 6:00 a.m. that morning and had consumed 6 beers. He stated that since he admitted to drinking, he was declining the breathalyzer test. [Id.; Ex. 3].
The Deputy Superintendent provided Educator Briones the opportunity to resign, and informed him that he was being placed on administrative leave without pay pending an investigation. [Ex. 2].
The Deputy Superintendent also informed Educator Briones that he needed to call someone to pick him up, or have someone from the School’s administration drive him home. [Id.].
On January 17, 2023, the District sent Educator Briones a Notice of Intent to Recommend Termination and Option to Resign after a finding of unprofessional conduct. [Ex. 4].
On January 17, 2023, Educator Briones submitted his resignation. [Ex. 5].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Briones’ teaching certificate(s).
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Brandon Brothers (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 457-7351.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 Certificate with a start date of March 2, 2022 and an expiration date of June 13, 2034. [Exhibit 1]
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed at Centerra Mirage STEM Academy (“School”) in the Avondale Elementary School District (“District”) in Goodyear, Arizona. [Id.]
On May 22, 2023 the HR Director at Avondale Middle school made a report of unprofessional conduct committed by Respondent. [Exhibit 2].
On May 15, 2023, Respondent gave a book from his personal library to an eighth-grade student. The book “Sharp Objects,” by Gillian Flynn, had multiple sections with mature content including sexually explicit and graphic content. [Exhibit 3].
One such excerpt contained text as follows: “When I was still in grammar school, maybe twelve, I wandered into a neighbor boy’s hunting shed, a wood-planked shack where the animals were stripped and split. Ribbons of moist pink flesh dangled from strings, waiting to be dried for jerky. The dirt floor was rusted with blood. The walls were covered with photo-graphs of naked women…….” [Id.]
Reviews of the book noted concerning subjects such as self-harm and murder. One such review of the book stated as follows: “CW: self-harm, sexualization of children, murder, child abuse.” [Exhibit 4]
Another review stated as follows: “There are copious mentions of self-harm, substance abuse, sexualization of 13 year olds, and some pretty gruesome depictions of violence and injury.” [Id.]
The District obtained statements and correspondences from teachers and students that corroborated Respondent provided the book to the students and that the book contained materials inappropriate for a minor. [Exhibit 5]
Respondent submitted a statement to the school, admitting the book was from his personal library. He also admitted that sections of the book had mature content and that he should have taken time to vet the books for content and allow students to visit the school library to choose a district approved book. [Exhibit 6]
On May 15, 2023, the Goodyear Police Department took an informational report of the incident, noting no charges would be initiated. [Exhibit 7]
Respondent was reassigned to home on May 15, 2023 pending investigation of the matter. [Exhibit 8]
On or about May 25, 2023 The Board Investigative Unit (“Investigative Unit”) notified Respondent that he was under investigation for unprofessional conduct. Respondent failed to respond. [Exhibit 9]
Respondent has a previous case where it was reported on May 20, 2014 by the Kyrene School District (“Kyrene”) Superintendent that Respondent drew a penis in the yearbook of an eighth grade female student, including the statement “there’s a penis in your crack lol.” Respondent admitted to the allegation leading to his resignation from the District. Respondent also provided his eighth-grade students instruction on sex outside of the health course of study, and failing to teach Kyrene approved curriculum. [Exhibit 10]
In June 2016, Respondent voluntarily surrendered his teaching license in lieu of a suspension with conditions. [Exhibit 11]
Respondent later submitted an application on July 6, 2021. [Id.]
PPAC
Educator’s case was heard before the PPAC on January 17, 2024. Educator did appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted six to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Brother’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 17, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of six to zero that the State Board of Education revoke any and all teaching certificate(s) held by Brandon Brothers, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all teaching certificates held by Brandon Brothers and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Terrance James Geneeha (“Respondent”) is assigned Educator Identification No. 493-3663.
Respondent does not hold any Arizona teaching certificates. [See Ex. 1].
On June 28, 2023, Respondent submitted an Application for Certification to the Arizona Department of Education for a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate. [Ex. 2].
Respondent had previously submitted an Application for Certification to the Arizona Department of Education, which was denied on April 24, 2017 due to Respondent’s arrest history spanning from 2009 through 2019. [Ex. 3].
On both his applications, Respondent disclosed multiple arrests, which are described in detail below. [Ex. 2].
On September 25, 2009, Flagstaff Police officers arrested Respondent for Extreme DUI, Threat-Intimidate with Injury, Damage to Property, Drug Paraphernalia and Possession/Use after crashing into another vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. The Flagstaff officer on the scene approached Respondent and noted that Respondent “appeared to be very intoxicated,” “[h]is eyes were glass and droopy,” and “[t]here was also a very strong odor of alcohol emitting from the car.” Respondent was “slurring his speech heavily” and “swaying” to the point that the police officer thought Respondent “was going to fall over.” The other officer on the scene conducted an inventory search of Respondent’s vehicle and found two marijuana pipes in the center console. While Respondent was being transported to Coconino County Jail, Respondent “became very belligerent in the back seat” and threatened to “fight” and “kill” the Flagstaff officer. Once at the Coconino County Jail, Respondent took blood alcohol tests. The first test showed the results of a blood alcohol content (“BAC”) level of 0.237. The second test showed a BAC level of 0.239. [Ex. 4].
On March 22, 2014, Respondent was arrested for Shoplifting and Possession/Use of Marijuana. Respondent entered a liquor store at a Safeway and grabbed a bottle of vodka and a can of red bull. Respondent concealed the items in his jacket pocket and attempted to exit the store without paying for them. Respondent was confronted by the store manager and immediately admitted to trying to steal the items. Respondent went back to the store manger’s officer for further investigation. The store manager asked to search Respondent’s bag, to which Respondent consented. The store manager found a jar of marijuana in Respondent’s bag. A Flagstaff Police officer was called to the scene and arrested Respondent for shoplifting and possession of 24.5 grams of marijuana. [Ex. 5].
Based on such arrest, on May 13, 2014, Respondent pled guilty to Possession of Marijuana and was sentenced to 3 days in jail, $1,535.00 in fines, ordered to stay away from Safeway, and to complete a shoplifting class. [Ex. 2; Ex. 6].
On February 5, 2019, Respondent was arrested for Disorderly Conduct in Flagstaff, Arizona. Respondent got into an argument with his father while his father was driving. Respondent’s father felt it was “necessary” to pull over because of the “amount of disruption” from Respondent. Respondent’s father advised that Respondent was intoxicated and that he stopped the car because he “did not feel safe inside of the vehicle.” Respondent’s father also stated that Respondent was “often intoxicated” and that Respondent had previously threatened him. [Ex. 7].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 16, 2024. Educator did appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend the State Board of Education grant the application for certification of Terrance James Geneeha.
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 16, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education grant the application for certification of Terrance James Geneeha, despite evidence showing that the educator engaged in unprofessional or immoral conduct because sufficient evidence exists that mitigates applicant’s conduct.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to grant the application for certification of Terrance James Geneeha, despite evidence showing that the educator engaged in unprofessional or immoral conduct because sufficient evidence exists that mitigates applicant’s conduct.
———
James Gustafson (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 554-9586.
Respondent holds a Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate with a start date of October 7, 2021, and an end date of April 16, 2028. He also holds a Subject Matter Expert Standard Teaching, 6-12 Certificate with a start date of September 23, 2019, and an end date of April 16, 2032. [Exhibit 1]
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed as a Mathematics and Science teacher at Marcos De Niza High School (“School”) in the Tempe Union High School (“District”) in Tempe, Arizona. [Id.]
On or about October 27, 2022, The Board Investigative Unit (“Investigative Unit”) received a Report (“Report”) of Unprofessional Conduct from Coleen Sikora, a Reporter for 12 News, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Report alleged that Respondent was seen yelling at students in his classroom in a TikTok video. [Exhibit 2]
A news story was published the previous date in a 12news.com article stating how the TikTok video was posted on October 11 and received more than five million views. The article indicated that the District is taking the matter “very seriously”. [Exhibit 3]
On November 2, 2022, the Board notified Respondent of the reports of unprofessional conduct against him. [Exhibit 4]
In September 2022 Respondent inappropriately intimidated a student, leaning into her and invading her personal space until she was leaning as far back as possible without laying on the desk to get away from Respondent. He screamed at the student to put her phone away multiple times. This inappropriate physical proximity and behavior was recorded and later posted to TikTok on October 11. [Exhibit 5]
On October 14, 2022, Respondent was taken out of the classroom to meet with the School’s Interim Principal, Mr. Brent Brown, and HR representative, Ms. Darcy Boggs. During this meeting, Mr. Brown informed Respondent that the video was shared with them and “rises to a level of seriousness.” In response, Respondent stated, “I have seen the video. Not my proudest moment. It’s over the top. It’s inappropriate.” Mr. Brown then stated to Respondent, “As the leader of the school, I have to look at the severity in terms of the impact on the school.” During the meeting, they discussed a pattern of behavior with Respondent in regards to his conduct. [Exhibit 6]
At that same meeting, it was reported that the student felt disrespected and intimidated. She was upset and angry. The student felt disgusted and Respondent’s proximity was too close to her. [Id.]
His previous pattern of behavior was noted by a faculty member. One such instance involved Respondent asking a student to take off their hat to see their haircut. The student did not take their hat off and he kept asking, refusing to stop, which made the student uncomfortable. He also was observed getting close to students, arguing in such a loud voice that saliva flew out of his mouth. [Exhibit 7]
On October 14, 2022, Respondent was temporarily reassigned to home with pay for the duration of the investigation. [Exhibit 8]
On October 19, 2022, Mr. Brent Brown, the principal of the school, sent a Notice of Intent to Impose Discipline to the Respondent for his allegations of misconduct. In this Notice, he was informed that other incidents of similar concerning behavior were being investigated. Respondent was placed on notice that the allegations are considered unprofessional behavior in violation of standards expected of School employees. [Exhibit 9]
The District had in place policies regarding categories of misconduct including Staff Ethics; Staff Conduct with Students; and Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members Engaging in Unprofessional Conduct. Respondent’s conduct was investigated for violating the aforementioned District policies. Respondent was notified that additional allegations of misconduct could be added in violation of other policies if found during the pendency of the investigation. [Id.] [Exhibit 10]
On October 25, 2022, Respondent filled out an Employee Resignation Request form, and the District governing board approved his resignation in lieu of dismissal on November 2, 2022. [Exhibit 11]
Prior to the TikTok video incident, Respondent submitted an application for certification in 2019. This application disclosed a previous incident in 2018 where Respondent was disciplined as a substitute teacher in Lake Havasu City. There, Respondent became frustrated with students who refused to follow his directions and forced students to physically sit down in their chairs by grabbing them by the back. [Exhibit 12]
Respondent has a previous arrest history. On March 24, 2017, Respondent was arrested for and convicted of DUI. On December 3, 2018, Respondent was arrested for four counts of Aggravated Assault on a minor, although no complaint was filed. [Exhibit 13]
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 17, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted six to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Gustafson’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 17, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of six to zero that the State Board of Education revoke any and all teaching certificate(s) of James Gustafson, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all teaching certificates of James Gustafson and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Richard L. Huntley (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 111-2898.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate with a start date of May 14, 2021 and an expiration date of July 15, 2033. Respondent previously held a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate which lapsed on July 1, 1999. [Ex. 1.]
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator in the Kyrene Elementary School District (“District”) located in Tempe, Arizona. [Id.]
On or around December 3, 2021, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Board’s Investigative Unit that Respondent was arrested and/or fingerprinted for Misdemeanor Extreme DUI on or about November 10, 2021 in Maricopa County, Arizona. His fingerprint clearance card was suspended. [See Ex. 2.]
On or around September 30, 2021, Respondent was involved in a single vehicle collision. An Arizona Department of Public Safety officers (“Officers”) observed Respondent’s vehicle parked on a highway on-ramp with visible front-end damage. The Respondent’s truck had struck an exit sign as it veered out of the traffic lane at an off-ramp, and the exit sign for the off-ramp was on the ground. Respondent was standing off to the side of his vehicle. [Ex. 3.]
Though Respondent told one of the Officers he had fallen asleep before the accident, the Officers observed that Respondent had bloodshot, red, glassy, and watery eyes, slurred speech, loss of balance, and had an odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. [Id.] The Respondent admitted to consuming intoxicating beverages, stumbled as he walked, could not turn or one leg stand due to balance issues, and could not walk in a straight line and had mumbled speech. [Id.]
When asked if he had consumed any alcohol prior to driving his vehicle, Respondent told the Officers that he had consumed alcoholic beverages earlier in the night. The Officers asked if Respondent would consent to a field sobriety test and alcohol breath test. Respondent agreed to a field sobriety test, a breath-alcohol test, and an Intoxilyzer 8000 test. [Id.]
The breath-alcohol test administered to Respondent showed a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.192. [Id.]
On January 31, 2022, Respondent pled guilty to Extreme DUI. [Ex. 4.]
Respondent also has a history of prior arrests. On or about December 16, 2018, Respondent was arrested for Misdemeanor Assault involving Domestic Violence in Phoenix, Arizona. Respondent was accused of twice striking his girlfriend on the head with his fist while her 9 year old daughter was present. [Ex. 5.]
On or about December 27, 2017, Respondent was arrested for Assault and Disorderly Conduct in Tempe, Arizona. Respondent had pushed uniformed security employee at Low Key Piano Bar and attempted to punch the employee several times after the employee asked him to step off a stage and leave the business during an argument between Respondent and his girlfriend. [Ex. 6.]
On or about February 22, 1991, Respondent was arrested for DUI in Tempe, Arizona. [Ex. 7.]
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 16, 2024. Educator did appear with legal counsel at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend suspension of Educator Huntley’s teaching certificate(s) with conditions.
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 16, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education suspend the teaching certificate(s) of Richard Huntley, for a period of three years, with the conditions that within twelve-months; (1) Respondent will complete a course that addresses anger management issues that must first be approved by Board staff.
Respondent will provide proof of successful completion of such coursework to the Board; (2) Respondent shall participate in counseling, therapy, or a treatment program which addresses alcohol abuse issues. Any such counseling therapy or a treatment program must first be approved by the Board’s staff. Respondent shall furnish a letter of proof of successful completion to the Board. All conditions are at the Respondent’s own expense and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to suspend any and all certificates held by Richard Huntley for a period of three years, with conditions and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Cord Scott Ivanyi (“Respondent”) held State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 383-8325.
Respondent does not hold any active Arizona teaching certificates. Respondent previously held a Provisional Structured English Immersion Endorsement, PreK-12 certificate which lapsed on October 22, 2012. Respondent also held a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate which lapsed on May 1, 2015. Respondent held a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate which lapsed on May 1, 2014. Finally, Respondent held a Provisional Secondary Education, 6-12 certificate which lapsed on October 25, 2009. [Ex. 1].
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed at BASIS Chandler Charter School (“School”), part of the BASIS Charter Schools network (“BASIS”), located in Chandler, Arizona. [Id.].
On May 3, 2022, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of unprofessional or immoral conduct on the part of Respondent from Matt FritzMiller, Head of School at BASIS Chandler.
Respondent had conversations with a group of female students on “Discord” outside of school hours, which included inappropriate discussions about another student, Student A. [Ex. 2; Ex. 6.]
On April 25, 2022, an attorney for Student A’s parents reached out to Cole Schlabach, Deputy General Counsel for BASIS, to discuss the bullying of Student A and Respondent’s involvement in the inappropriate group chat. [Ex. 2].
The following day, April 26, 2022, Respondent submitted his resignation to Mr. FritzMiller. [Ex. 3].
Daniel Rosen, Human Resources Partner at BASIS, responded to Respondent’s resignation, informing him that the School would still proceed with the investigation into his inappropriate conduct. Mr. Rosen explained that because of the investigation, the School would not yet accept Respondent’s resignation. Further, Mr. Rosen requested that Respondent provide his full chat history with students on Discord and any other platforms outside BASIS. [Ex. 4].
On April 28, 2022, Mr. Rosen explained to Respondent by email that the School decided not to accept his letter of resignation, and instead would classify his termination as involuntary. This decision was due, in part, to the fact that Respondent “did not cooperate with [the School’s] investigation or respond to [the School’s] requests for documentation on the Discord chats [he] admittedly had with students, which is inconsistent with [the School’s] expectations for professional conduct.” [Ex. 5].
The attorney for Student A’s parents provided the School with copies of the Discord conversations between the group of female students and Respondent. Throughout the messages, Respondent and the female students bully and harass Student A behind his back. [Ex. 6].
Respondent admitted that “Soul Cake Duck” was his name on Discord and that he was on Discord with groups of students. [Ex. 7].
Respondent also admitted that he was talking about a male student, Student A, to a group of female students and that Student A was not part of the thread. [Id.].
Respondent would message with this group of female students after school hours. [Ex. 6].
Respondent encouraged and participated in hateful messages sent between the female students stating that “it’s fun,” thereby endorsing the victimization of Student A. In the group chat with Respondent, several female students talked about wanting to see Student A dead. Respondent participated in a student group chat cyberbullying Student A. [Id.].
The female students took pictures of Student A, posted them in the Discord chat with Respondent, then printed out the pictures and made posters, including a hateful memorial-type poster, indicating Student A died, and wrote hurtful messages on it. The female students wanted to make sure that Respondent received a copy of the photos and/or posters. [Id.].
Respondent also commented about how a picture another student in his class drew “looked like a flying d*ck.” For the next several days, Respondent hid the picture around the classroom asking students to find the inappropriate looking drawing. [Ex. 8].
Respondent would throw parties for his class, but would not invite some of his students, showing favoritism towards particular students. When asked by a student why she was not invited to the at-school party, Respondent said “I didn’t feel like looking for you.” [Id.].
Respondent would also allow some students to skip their other classes to hang out with him, and then provided excuses to the other teachers on the students’ behalf. [Id.].
Respondent led a role-playing game in class, and Student A rolled to play an emperor, but Respondent told Student A that instead his “job was to be a stripper and please the demons.” [Id.].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Ivanyi’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoked any and all teaching certificate(s) held by Cord Ivanyi, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all certificates held by Cord Ivanyi and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Carrie Elizabeth Kiesgen (“Respondent”) is assigned under Educator Identification No. 409-7758.
Respondent does not hold any Arizona teaching certificates. [Ex. 1.]
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as a noncertificated individual at Heritage Academy (“School”), a public charter school, at its campus located in Queen Creek, Arizona. [Ex. 2].
On October 29, 2022, Respondent was arrested for Misdemeanor Assault involving Domestic Violence and Felony Aggravated DUI in Queen Creek, Arizona. Her fingerprint clearance card was suspended on October 31, 2022. [Ex. 3].
On October 29, 2022, Queen Creek Police officers (“Officers”) were dispatched to the parking lot of Petco to meet with Brandon Kiesgen, Respondent’s husband at the time. [Ex. 4].
Mr. Kiesgen told the Officers that he had been involved in a verbal and physical domestic dispute with his wife, Respondent, at their residence approximately two hours prior. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen explained to the Officers that he and Respondent had been married for eleven years and they have three children together, an 8-year-old, 6-year-old, and a 4-year-old. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen told the Officers that for the past five years, Respondent has had a drinking problem. [Id.].
On October 28, 2022, Mr. Kiesgen arrived home from work around 7:00 p.m., and observed that Respondent was extremely intoxicated. [Id.].
Respondent was home alone with the three young children, and Mr. Kiesgen had plans to attend the Homecoming game at his former high school. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen noticed Respondent had a “blood blister” beneath her eye, and asked her where the mark was from but Respondent was so intoxicated she did not provide an answer. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen went to the Homecoming game, and returned home approximately two hours later. When Mr. Kiesgen returned home, the three children were playing and did not know where Respondent was. The children told Mr. Kiesgen they had turned the oven off earlier because Respondent was not there to do so. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen found Respondent passed out on the floor of their master bedroom. Mr. Kiesgen put his children to bed, and went to bed himself. At approximately midnight, Respondent woke up and got into the bed. Around 3:30 a.m., Respondent and Mr. Kiesgen awoke and began arguing about the previous day’s events. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen explained to the Officers that he gathered some belongings in a backpack and left the residence to avoid escalating the situation. Respondent repeatedly called Mr. Kiesgen, yelling at him and then hanging up. Mr. Kiesgen returned to the residence where the argument continued with Respondent. Their children awoke at approximately 5:00 a.m., when Mr. Kiesgen began packing clothes into a bag. [Id.].
Respondent threw the bag on the floor. Mr. Kiesgen then grabbed a suitcase to put his clothes in. [Id.].
As Mr. Kiesgen attempted to walk out of the master bedroom, Respondent grabbed the t-shirt that Mr. Kiesgen was wearing and ripped it off him. Mr. Kiesgen received friction burns around his neck where the shirt collar rubbed as it was torn off. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen walked out to his car and attempted to drive away. Respondent stood behind the car, refusing to let him leave. Respondent told Mr. Kiesgen that if he attempted to leave, she would call the police and tell law enforcement officers that Mr. Kiesgen gave her the mark under her eye from hitting her. Mr. Kiesgen did not hit Respondent, nor did he cause the mark under her eye. [Id.].
Respondent scattered Mr. Kiesgen’s clothes around the driveway, while Mr. Kiesgen went inside the residence to calm down the children who were awake and had been listening to the loud argument. [Id.].
Mr. Kiesgen then left the residence and drove to the Petco parking lot where he called the Queen Creek Police. He told the Officers that Respondent began drinking more alcohol that morning. [Id.].
The Officers responded to the residence in search of Respondent, and observed her driving nearby the residence with her three children in the car. [Id.].
The Officers noticed that Respondent, while talking on her phone, drove her vehicle almost entirely into westbound lanes of traffic while driving eastbound. The Officers activated their emergency lights, signaling Respondent to stop. Once Respondent stopped the vehicle, the Officers approached and immediately detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from within Respondent’s vehicle. The Officers noticed Respondent had glassy and bloodshot eyes. The Officers observed three children in the back seat of the vehicle. [Id.].
Respondent told the Officers that Mr. Kiesgen punched her in the eye on October 28, 2023, but she told the Officers that she was intoxicated to the extent that she could not provide any details as to how, why, or where Mr. Kiesgen punched her. [Id.].
Respondent admitted that she drank half a bottle of 750 ml of Smirnoff vodka during that day. [Id.].
Respondent also admitted that prior to getting pulled over by the Officers, she was driving to Wal-Mart to get her children cupcakes and ice cream to cheer them up after the fight with her husband. [Id.].
Respondent further admitted to eating an edible marijuana gummy daily, including the day before, on October 28, 2023. [Id.].
Respondent consented to a breath test, and the result showed she had a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.221. Respondent also admitted to eating an edible marijuana gummy. [Id.; Ex. 5].
Concerned about the potential danger to Respondent’s children, the Officers called the Department of Child Services (“DCS”) reporting line and DCS advised the intake report number was created, #IN10268531. [Ex. 4].
On November 14, 2022, Respondent pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Driving or Actual Physical Control while under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drugs, and Misdemeanor Assault involving Domestic Violence. [Ex 6].
On January 6, 2023, Respondent was sentenced to probation for a term of two years, one day in jail, payment of fines, and required participation in the MADD Victim Impact Panel. [Ex. 7].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Kiesgen’s right to work in an Arizona district or charter school.
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoke Carrie Kiesgen’s right to work in an Arizona district or charter school for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke Carrie Kiesgen’s right to work in an Arizona district or charter school and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Jestin Earl Manson (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 679-9328.
Respondent holds an Emergency Substitute certificate, which expires on July 1, 2024. Respondent previously held an Emergency Substitute certificate, which lapsed on July 1, 2022. [Ex. 1].
At all times relevant hereto, Respondent was employed as security guard, for the Page Unified School District (“District”) located in Page, Arizona. [Exs. 2; 3].
On or around February 3, 2023, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Board’s Investigative Unit that Respondent was arrested and/or fingerprinted for Felony Unlawful Imprisonment Involving Domestic Violence and Misdemeanor Assault Involving Domestic Violence on or about January 13, 2023, in Page, Arizona. His fingerprint clearance card was suspended. [See Ex. 4].
On January 13, 2023, Leslie Tafoya (Ms. Tafoya”) met with police officers (“Officer(s)”) from the Page Police Department (“PPD”) to report a prior domestic violence incident that occurred some weeks earlier in December of 2022, which involved her ex-boyfriend, the Respondent. [Ex. 3].
Ms. Tafoya reported to the Officers that the following happened on December 5, 2022:
(1) Respondent and Ms. Tafoya got into a verbal argument in her vehicle because Ms. Tafoya had Respondent’s phone on her person. Ms. Tafoya gave Respondent back his cell phone and Respondent then threw his phone to the ground and broke it; (2) Once the couple arrived at their residence, Ms. Tafoya told the Respondent that she wanted some space and would spend the night at a hotel; (3) Ms. Tafoya entered her vehicle and attempted to drive away, however, Respondent shined a bright outside work light at her vehicle; (4) Ms. Tafoya exited her vehicle and headed back to the residence to collect some personal items, suddenly the Respondent grabbed her by the arm and refused to let her leave; (5) Respondent had grabbed Ms. Tafoya’s arm with such force that she fell to the ground; (6) Then Respondent sat on top of Ms. Tafoya and held her arms down for approximately five minutes; (7) Then Ms. Tafoya tried to grab her cell phone to call Respondent’s mother for help, but Respondent took the phone away; (8) Ms. Tafoya then yelled out for help; (9) Respondent eventually released hold of Ms. Tafoya and apologized; and (10) Ms. Tafoya sustained bruises on her arms and wrists as result of the Respondent’s violence. [Ex. 2; 3; 5].
Ms. Tafoya further reported to the Officers that the Respondent worked as a security guard for the Page School District. Ms. Tafoya informed the Officers that she was initially scared to report the Respondent, because of his anger and alcohol issues. One of Officers contacted Ty Bennett the Safety and Security Coordinator for the District (‘Safety and Security Coordinator”) and he confirmed that the Respondent was working as a security guard for the District. [Ex. 3].
On January 13, 2013, one of the Officers met the Safety and Security Coordinator at the District’s office – Respondent was also at the District office. The Officer placed the Respondent under arrest, and searched Respondent’s person and backpack. The Officer recovered, among other things, a bottle of alcohol that was less than half full from the Respondent’s backpack. Respondent was booked for Felony Unlawful Imprisonment Involving Domestic Violence and Misdemeanor Assault Involving Domestic Violence. [Exs. 3; 6].
On January 23, 2023, Ms. Tafoya contacted the PPD to inform them that Respondent was violating his release conditions of the protective order by contacting her through voice messages, text messages, and comments on social media. [Exs. 3; 7].
On March 15, 2023, the SBE IU issued a Notice of Investigation/Surrender (“NOI”) to Respondent. [Ex. 8].
On or about March 16, 2023, the Respondent sent two emails to the SBE IU in response to the NOI. Respondent stated, in sum and substance, that the allegations against him were false and no crime was committed. Respondent has a protective order in place against his ex-girlfriend. Respondent claims Ms. Tafoya had no injuries on her body on the day he was arrested. The Officers did do a proper investigation, and the victim harassed the Respondent’s family and the school staff that Respondent worked with. [Ex. 2].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoke any and all teaching certificate(s) held by Jestin Manson, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all certificates held by Jestin Manson and that all states and territories be so notified.
———
Jacob M. Samora (“Respondent”) has been assigned Educator Identification No. 691-5768.
Respondent does not hold any Arizona teaching certificates. [Ex. 1].
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as a noncertificated individual at the Legacy Traditional School (“School”) located in Laveen, Arizona. [Ex. 2].
On or around April 5, 2022, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Board’s Investigative Unit that Respondent was arrested and/or fingerprinted for Felony Dangerous Drug Possession/Use Drugs, and Extreme DUI 0.20+ on or about April 4, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. His fingerprint clearance card was suspended. [See Ex. 3].
On or around April 4, 2022, Phoenix Police officers (“Officers”) were on patrol and observed Respondent’s vehicle stopped at a stop sign with no headlights on and with the left turn signal on. The Officers attempted to motion Respondent, but he did not appear to notice them. Instead of taking a left turn, Respondent drove straight and continued to drive with his headlights off, so the Officers conducted a traffic stop. [Ex. 4].
Once Respondent stopped his vehicle, one of the Officers approached the passenger side window and observed a closed can of White Claw laying on the floor board of the passenger seat. The Officers noticed that Respondent was confused, had speech slurred, and that his eyes were bloodshot, red, and watery. [Id.].
The Officers asked Respondent if he had consumed any alcohol prior to driving his vehicle. Respondent told the Officers, “yes,” and that he was hanging out with his friends and had three or four beers. The Officers could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from Respondent. [Id.].
The Officers asked Respondent if he knew what day and time it was, and Respondent stated that it was Tuesday at 4:00 a.m. The correct time was Monday at 1:08 a.m. [Id.].
The Officers requested to perform a field sobriety test on Respondent, which Respondent refused. The Officers then placed Respondent under arrest and searched his person. [Id.].
During the search, the Officers found a small white baggy containing a white powdered substance, later identified as cocaine, in the change pocket of his jeans. [Id.].
Respondent did not admit what the substance was and did not want to talk to the Officers about it. [Id.].
Respondent then asked multiple times to be released so he could walk home. When the Officers denied Respondent’s request, Respondent propositioned the Officers for oral sex if they would let him go. [Id.].
After a search warrant was obtained, the Officers conducted a blood alcohol test. The blood alcohol test showed Respondent had a Blood Alcohol Content level of 0.23. [Ex. 5].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Samora’s right to work right to work in an Arizona district or charter school.
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoke Jacob Samora’s right to work in an Arizona district or charter school, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke the right to work in an Arizona district or charter school of Jacob Samora and that all states and territories be so notified.
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Bethany Stoian (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 457-0385.
Respondent holds a Standard Adult Education certificate, which expires on December 27, 2031. Respondent previously held a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 certificate, which expired on December 27, 2022. Respondent also previously held a Provisional Secondary Education, 6-12 certificate, which expired on May 23, 2016. [Ex. 1].At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as an educator at Dobson High School (“School”) in the Mesa Unified School District (“District”) located in Mesa, Arizona. [Id.].
On or about May 12, 2023, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Investigative Unit of the Arizona Department of Education that Respondent was arrested and/or fingerprinted on or about May 11, 2023, in Tempe, Arizona in connection with the following charges: two counts of Felony Narcotic Drug Possession/Use, Felony Dangerous Drug Possession/Use, and Felony Drug Paraphernalia Possession/Use. Her fingerprint clearance card was suspended. [See Ex. 2].
On May 1, 2023, at about 8:00am, Respondent rented a UHaul cargo van which was required to be returned at around 5:00pm that day. As of 72 hours after that, between May 1, 2023, and May 4, 2023, Respondent committed Failure to Return Rental Property. [Ex. 3].
A Tempe Police officer (“Officer”) spoke with that UHaul location’s General Manager, who said she tried contacting Respondent’s listed phone number, but received no response. [Id.].
The UHaul General Manager signed a stolen vehicle affidavit and provided the Officer with the signed rental agreement between UHaul and Respondent. [Id.].
On May 11, 2023, Tempe Police officers (“Officers”) located Respondent driving the stolen UHaul van and signaled for Respondent to pull over. [Id.].
Respondent told the Officers that she had rented the van and knew she was past the return date but planned on returning it soon. [Id.].
The Officers conducted a search of the van and found multiple pieces of foil with burnt residue, a baggie of crystal methamphetamine, a baggie of fentanyl powder, 7 “M30” fentanyl pills, and other drug paraphernalia within the vehicle. [Id.].
Respondent told the Officers that she was a methamphetamine and fentanyl user and admitted that the drugs were hers. [Id.].
Respondent was arrested and transported to Tempe City Jail where she was booked for Possession of dangerous drugs, two counts Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to return a rental vehicle. [Id.].
Respondent’s charges are currently pending in Maricopa County Justice Court.
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Stoian’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoke any and all teaching certificate(s) held by Bethany Stoian, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all certificates held by Bethany Stoian and that all states and territories be so notified.
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Dei W. Yoon (“Respondent”) holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 481-1893.
Respondent holds a Standard Professional Mild/Mod Special Education, K-12 certificate, which expires on March 24, 2032. Respondent also holds a Standard Professional Elementary, K-8 certificate, which expires on March 24, 2032. Respondent previously held a Provisional Mild/Mod Special Education, K-12 certificate, which expired on August 11, 2019. Respondent also previously held a Provisional Elementary Education, K-8 certificate, which expired on August 11, 2019. [Ex. 1].
At all times relevant to this Agreement, Respondent was employed as a contracted educator at Arizona Desert Elementary (“School”) in the Tolleson Elementary School District (“District”) located in Tolleson, Arizona. [See Ex. 5].
On or around August 31, 2022, the Board’s Investigative Unit received a report of unprofessional conduct on behalf of the Respondent from Cathey Mayes, the District’s Administrator of Human Resources.
The District hired Respondent as a contracted Special Education teacher effective March 7, 2022. Respondent was asked and agreed to return for the 2022-2023 school year. The 2022-2023 contract was signed on May 18, 2022, but District officials discovered that the 2022-2023 contract exceeded the $100,000.00 procurement regulations. Dr. Myriam Roa, the District’s Executive Director of Business Services, explained the error to Respondent and informed him that the contract had to be re-negotiated under the $100,000.00 threshold. [Exs. 2; 3].
Respondent threatened the District with legal action for breach of contract. Dr. Roa agreed to move forward under the contract in effect, with Respondent’s understanding that if the District hired a Special Education teacher which eliminated the need for Respondent’s services, then the District would terminate Respondent. This provision was included as paragraph 5 in his contractual agreement. [Exs. 2; 3; 4].
The week of August 17, 2022, Dr. Lynda Mills, the District’s Director of Special Services, and Ms. Brenda Catlett, the School’s Principal, discussed a change to Respondent’s schedule which would allow students to receive service minutes as directed on their Individualized Education Programs (“IEPs”). The revised schedule also included changes in paraprofessional (“para”) assignments. [Ex. 2].
August 25, 2022 Ms. Brenda Catlett, the School’s Principal sent an email to Respondent with the new para assignments. [Exs. 2; 5].
August 26, 2022, Respondent replied to Ms. Catlett stating that he disagreed, and wanted to keep the current para assigned. Respondent told Ms. Catlett the following:
If you continue to force this on me, then I will contact my lawyers and go over my contract with my lawyer and TESD. Stop telling me what to do with my schedule. I let you do that once because you told me that you were up late at night correcting my scheduling, and I felt bad. But that is not your job, it is my job to come up with my schedule. The parents of my students are NOT happy with you, and unless you have controlled and developed the schedule of Mary and Amanda as well, you have just committed racial discrimination to me, and I will use all legal means to make sure that the parents know and my lawyers know, using social media and the news outlets. I am ready to start the process today if you like. You do not have that authority. I DO NOT NEED MS. FOSTER in my class. I hope this is the end of the discussion. Don’t start something that you can’t finish. Thanks [smiley face]
[Id.].
Ms. Catlett responded that it was in the students’ best interest to comply with her recommendation and that her decision was final. [Ex. 2; see Ex. 5].
Respondent replied to Ms. Catlett, repeating that he had no interest in her new schedule and stated, “no thank you. I am ok with what I am doing.” [Ex. 5].
Respondent then emailed Dr. Mills, and copied Ms. Catlett and several other District staff members complaining about Ms. Catlett. Respondent threatened to resign and start a “class action law suit against TESD, with a potential of parents joining the class action law suit as well.” Respondent continued, “This is absolutely ridiculous, and overstepping of her authority, a workplace infringement, as well as a racial discrimination done to me by the school administrator.” After repeatedly threatening lawsuits against Ms. Catlett and the District, Respondent stated, “I have no issue walking away from this job today. I don’t get up at 5 in the morning and drive an hour and 40 minutes on 101 everyday to deal with draconian socialistic micromanagement and control by the school principal and the assistant principal.” [Ex. 4].
According to School surveillance video footage, Respondent made several trips to load his vehicle with a shoulder bag, briefcase, and garbage bag. [Ex. 2].
Later that day, on August 26, Ms. Catlett went into Respondent’s classroom and found that it had been cleared out. Ms. Catlett found IEP files, worksheets, and curriculum materials which were thrown in the trashcan. The items recovered from the trashcan included documents with original signatures and documents that may been forged to modify IEPs not using the proper procedures. The disposal of these documents is in violation of District policy. [Id.; Exs. 2; 6].
On August 29, 2022, Jennifer MacLennan, attorney for the District, sent Respondent a letter clarifying that he had abandoned his contracted services with the District as of August 26, 2022 after acting unprofessionally. Ms. MacLennan informed Respondent that the District considers his contract to be terminated. [Ex. 7].
On April 10, 2023, Respondent emailed Dr. Mills, Dr. Roa, and Lupita Hightower, accusing the District of acting like a “mafia organization” or a “communist countr[y] like North Korea.” Respondent stated that he laughed at receiving notice of the investigation and notice of his unprofessional conduct. Respondent threatened Dr. Mills, Dr. Roa, and Dr. Hightower, the District’s Superintendent, claiming that his family has close ties to the South Korean President and South Korean government, so “this means you should be very careful in your attempts to smear my name and bring forth false and unprofessional allegations against me.…We have our own networks to leaders all over the world, and I would strongly advise you to listen to what I am saying to you.” [Ex. 8].
Respondent also informed Dr. Mills, Dr. Roa, and Dr. Hightower that if he had a paper shredder located in his classroom the day he left, he would have shredded all his School documents. [Id.].
On April 14, 2023, Carrie O’Brien, attorney for the District, emailed Respondent in response to his demand email to the District on April 10, 2023. Ms. O’Brien informed Respondent that the District paid all monies to Day One Educational Resources in accordance with its contract and the District properly reported his unprofessional conduct. [Ex. 9].
PPAC
Educators case was heard before the PPAC on January 18, 2024. Educator did not appear at that hearing. The PPAC voted five to zero to recommend revocation of Educator Yoon’s teaching certificate(s).
Recommendation of PPAC
The PPAC, at its January 18, 2024 meeting, recommended, by a vote of five to zero that the State Board of Education revoke any and all teaching certificate(s) held by Dei W. Yoon, for a period of five years, and that all states and territories be so notified.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the State Board of Education adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and the Recommendation of the PPAC to revoke any and all certificates held by Dei W. Yoon and that all states and territories be so notified.
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Approval of the voluntary surrender of the educator certificates held by:
Charles Ashe holds a Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate with an expiration date of April 18, 2029.
On January 11, 2024, the Tucson Unified School District notified the Investigative Unit of the allegations that Educator Ashe had a physical altercation with a student. The student was sent to the nurse with broken blood vessels due to the altercation.
Tucson Police Department was notified, report #P2312188539.
On January 29, 2024, Educator Ashe voluntarily surrendered his Arizona teaching certificate.
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Ralph Battaline holds a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate with an expiration date of September 12, 2024.
On May 9, 2023, the Investigation Unit was notified by the AZ DPS FCC Unit that Educator Battaline was arrested or fingerprinted on or about April 6, 2023, for an incident that occurred on January 23, 2023. Educator Battaline was charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault of a Minor in Tucson, AZ. by the Tucson Police Department.
Tucson Police Department was notified, report #TUSP2301230180.
On August 19, 2023, Battaline voluntarily surrendered his Arizona Teaching certificate(s).
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Shawn Boomer holds a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate with an expiration date of August 4, 2029.
On September 14, 2023, the IU received a report of unprofessional or immoral conduct on the part of Educator Shawn Boomer. Said report indicated that starting approximately June 30, 2023, Boomer was text messaging a female student (ZF) on Instagram without the parents’ consent. The parents reported the incident, and it was later revealed that the electronic communications made up 1674 pages of messages.
There is no police report for this incident as it did not rise to the criminal level.
On November 14, 2023, Boomer voluntarily surrendered his Arizona Teaching certificate(s).
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Sherry Cutrer holds the Arizona Educator Identification Number of 704-4580.
On March 28, 2023, the Arizona Department of Public Safety notified the Investigative Unit of the suspension of Educator Cutrer’s fingerprint clearance card due to an arrest for Felony Human Smuggling Organization-Concealment on or about March 7, 2023, in Cochise County, AZ.
Arresting agency was Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, report #23-06565.
On February 12, 2024, Cutrer voluntarily surrendered her right to work in an Arizona District or Charter School.
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Kaitlyn Goodell holds an Emergency Substitute certificate with an expiration date of July 1, 2025.
On December 4, 2023, Paragon Management, Inc. notified the Investigation Unit of allegations of Unprofessional Conduct by crossing teacher/student boundaries. Educator Goodell sent inappropriate messages over Snapchat that made a female student/athlete uncomfortable.
The district did not report this incident to law enforcement.
On January 16, 2024, Goodell voluntarily surrendered her Arizona teaching certificate.
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David Kimball holds a Standard Professional Secondary, 6-12 Certificate with an expiration date of October 4, 2031.
On December 6, 2023, the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District notified the Investigative Unit of allegations that Educator Kimball admitted to texting a female who was a former student about sex acts but never followed through with them. The female in question stated her relationship with Kimball became inappropriate in her Sophomore and Junior years.
Kane County Sheriff’s Office, report #S2204110.
On January 11, 2024, Kimball voluntarily surrendered his Arizona teaching certificate(s).
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Sergio Lopez holds a Standard Professional Secondary 6-12 certificate with an expiration date of March 30, 2034, and an Emergency Teaching certificate, which lapsed July 1, 2021.
Educator Lopez taught Social Studies at the Gila Ridge High School in the Yuma Union High School District. On January 11, 2024, the Investigation Unit was advised that Educator Lopez had inappropriate Instagram chat messages with two previous foreign exchange students; the students reside in France. Educator Lopez was grooming one of the students.
The Yuma Police Department was notified, report #2024-00001411 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation report is pending.
On January 24, 2024, Lopez voluntarily surrendered his Arizona teaching certificates.
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Oscar Medina holds a Substitute, PreK-12 certificate with an expiration date of December 10, 2028.
On December 19, 2023, the Gilbert Unified School District notified the Investigation Unit of allegations that Educator Medina had been text messaging with a female student from Thanksgiving to Christmas of 2023 in an attempt to groom the student.
Gilbert Police Department was notified, report #GI2023-188790.
On January 08, 2024, Medina voluntarily surrendered his Arizona Teaching certificate(s).
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Benjamin Minor holds the Arizona Educator Identification Number of 780-8809.
On December 14, 2023, the Sunnyside Unified School District notified the Investigative Unit of allegations that Educator Minor kissed a female student while giving her a ride home. It was later learned Educator Minor made two other female students hug him, followed the students on social media and asked about their sex life.
Tucson Police Department was notified, report #P2312130116.
On January 17, 2024, Minor voluntarily surrendered his right to work in an Arizona District or Charter School.
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Peggy Staton holds a Standard Professional Elementary, K-8 (Valid) English Structured English Immersion with an expiration date of November 15, 2034.
On November 2, 2023, the Deer Valley Unified School District notified the Investigative Unit that Educator Staton engaged in Unprofessional and Immoral Conduct. It was reported Educator Staton displayed inappropriate conduct to both students and staff. Educator Staton frequently used profanity in front of students and staff, allowed students to use profanity in her classroom, threw objects in the classroom, expressed frustration in front of students by crying, banging her head on the wall, desk, left class unsupervised and consistently yelled and screamed in class.
The district did not report this incident to law enforcement.
On January 12, 2024, Staton voluntarily surrendered her Arizona teaching certificate.
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Joseph Volkman holds the Arizona Educator Identification Number of 5840148.
On September 19, 2023, the Dysart Unified School District notified the Investigative unit of allegations that Coach Volkman broke policies and procedures of student contact. Multiple social media contacts with students, individual texting all hours of the night with female student/player, over 500 text messages while he was the volleyball coach at Valley Vista High School.
On February 9, 2024, Joseph Volkman voluntarily surrendered his/her right to work in an Arizona District or Charter School.
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Approval of the permanent revocation of any and all educator certificates, pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-550, held by;
Elijah Brown-Thomas holds Educator Identification No. 668-4150.
On or about January 5, 2024, Elijah Brown-Thomas pleaded guilty in Maricopa County Superior Court to Attempted Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, a class 4 felony and dangerous crime against children, in violation of A.R.S. §§ 13-3551, 13-3554, 13-3821, 13-610, 13-705, 13-701, 13-702, 13-801, and 13-1001. (Attachment 1). On or about January 5, 2024, Elijah Brown-Thomas was required to register as a sex offender and comply with the sex registry.
The conviction for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is a dangerous crime against children as defined in A.R.S. §13-705 for which the State Board of Education must permanently and immediately revoke the certificates held by Mr. Brown-Thomas pursuant to A.R.S. §15-550(A).
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Nicholas Brozina holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 627-6119.
He holds a Standard Professional Principal, PreK-12 certificate that with an end date of February 24, 2033.
On or about October 27, 2023, Educator Nicholas Brozina was convicted in Cumberland County, Superior Court of New Jersey, of Amended Count 3 – Endangering – Sexual Conduct With a Child by a Non-Caretaker, a class 3 offense in violation of New Jersey statute 2C:24-4A(1) (Attachment 1).
The conviction for Endangering – Sexual Conduct with a Child by a Non-Caretaker is a non-dangerous crime against children but punishable in Arizona as defined in A.R.S. §13-1405 for which the State Board of Education must permanently and immediately revoke the certificates held by Nicholas Brozina pursuant to A.R.S. §15-550(A).
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Approval of the revocation of any and all educator certificates, pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-534.04(C), for the following individuals:
Michael Clawson held a State of Arizona certificate under Educator Identification No. 124-0535.
He held a Basic Secondary, 7-12 Certificate that lapsed on July 1, 2000.
On or about March 2, 2018, Educator Morales was charged with 1 count of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds and 28 counts of Forgery – Unauthorized Act In Writing, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Professional Standards and Practices Commission (“PPSPC”) issued Educator Clawson a Notice of Charges in Case no. DI-23-005. PPSPC found that Educator Clawson engaged in theft in his position as the treasurer of the Cambria Court-Appointed Professional Employee Trust, stealing approximately $28,000 over a 10-12 year period.
On or about April 25, 2019, Educator Clawson pleaded guilty to Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds.
On June 9, 2023, Pennsylvania’s Professional Standards and Practices Commission issued an Order revoking Educator Clawson’s Pennsylvania certificates.
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Approval of the non-issuance and/or revocation of any and all educator certificates and/or right to work in an Arizona district or charter school, pursuant to A.A.C. R7-2-1307(A), held by:
Philip C. Anton holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 771-6757.
Educator Anton does not hold any Arizona teaching certificates.
On January 5, 2024, Educator Anton submitted an Application for Certification to the Arizona Department of Education requesting an Alternative Teaching without Certification Area certificate. On his application for certification, Educator Anton marked “yes” to the question, “have you ever been arrested, cited and released, or received a criminal summons for any offense, regardless if eventually convicted of a crime or if a conviction was set aside or expunged?”
On December 12, 1993, Educator Anton was arrested for Felony Aggravated Assault in Prescott, Arizona. Educator Anton got into a bar fight with a peace officer. Educator Anton tried to justify his combative actions by claiming he did not know the individual was a peace officer. On March 21, 1994, Educator Anton pled guilty to Aggravated Assault, designated a class one misdemeanor, and was sentenced to six months in jail, a payment of fines, and probation terms.
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Approval of the summary suspension of any and all educator certificates, pursuant to A.A.C. R7-2-1309(A), held by:
Ryan W. Baron holds a State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 688-3946.
Educator Baron holds a Standard Professional Superintendent, PreK-12 certificate with a start date of December 12, 2022, and an expiration date of December 17, 2034.
On November 30, 2023, Educator Baron was arrested for five counts of Possession of Certain Materials Prohibited. The Prohibited Materials were Child Pornography. Educator Baron was charged in the Southeast Judicial Court in Griggs County, North Dakota. See State v. Baron, Case No. 20-2023-CR-00025. Educator Baron possessed on a personal computer five videos that depicted sexual performances by minor children.
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Ivan R. Martinez-Arce holds State of Arizona certificate(s) under Educator Identification No. 626-1357.
Educator Martinez-Arce holds a Subject Matter Expert Standard Teaching, 6-12 certificate with a start date of June 13, 2023, and an expiration date of January 13, 2036.
On January 11, 2024, Educator Ivan R. Martinez-Arce was arrested in San Luis, Arizona, for Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Felony Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Felony Sexual Abuse, and Felony Aggravated Luring Minor Sexual Exploitation, all involving Dangerous Crimes Against Children. Educator Martinez-Arce confided in another student about giving a female student rides home from school, and that the female student sent him nude photographs of herself and never reported the situation to school or district staff.
I’m horrified by the evidence against these perpetrators. All parents should immediately remove their children from Arizona’s public and private school systems and home school. There is no doubt these are not only indoctrination and grooming centers, as well as a trap waiting to trap and warp the children. No wonder there is little fundamental competence for reading, writing, traditional science and mathematics associated with these schools. The children must feel abandoned by their parents. How depraved does the American society have to be for ALL parents to unite against this perverse ideology and behavior? Stop think and protect the children now!
Castration used to be a thing…how about we go back to that? The perp wouldn’t be thrown off a building like they still do in the Middle East!
Elbee-Geebee Trannies should NOT be influencing our children in any way, shape or form – and definitely NOT as teachers! They need psychological help, not “visibility”. #FJB
AKA a sexual deviant.
I feel bad for people who aren’t getting the mental healthcare they need; instead their delusions are being “supported” by supposedly “compassionate” people. *pfft*
Who I am angry at are the administrators who _knowingly_ put said individuals in contact w/ children. If not putting a child in a car seat in ‘endangerment’, then doing this _has_ to be some sort of prosecutable crime.
School Boards disciplinary? Why is it I don’t see any criminal referrals/charges? These perverts should be behind bars. Instead they’ll just move to another state and continue their sick lives
hmmm teacher shortage