Parents press Rialto Unified over alleged student misconduct and communication gaps

Parents and community members pressed the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education on May 20 over what they said was inadequate notification after an incident involving student misconduct at Myers Elementary.

"Me preocupa que las personas no se nos notificó hasta que la policía se involucró," said Alexis Davis, a parent who asked the board what steps the district had taken to notify families after the May 11 event. Davis said parents first learned about the incident after police became involved and that multiple student interviews occurred without prompt family notification.

Superintendent Alejandro Álvarez acknowledged shortcomings in how the situation was communicated. "Hubo una brecha en integridad, la confianza y la expectativa de un entorno seguro," he said, describing a failure in timely family notification and expressing concern about the effect on trust between families and school staff.

Several parents and community advocates urged clearer, more immediate protocols for incidents that could affect student safety or emotional well‑being. One commenter said the lack of transparent communication prevented parents from providing emotional support or taking protective steps for their children.

Board members and district staff described limits on what can be shared publicly for privacy and legal reasons but said the district would review its notification processes. Trustees requested follow‑up information on what happened, how families were contacted, and whether existing protocols for Title IX and safety notifications were followed.

The public comments came amid broader concerns raised during the meeting about special‑education services and equity in professional‑development access. Multiple speakers said families and staff have raised systemic problems including staffing shortages in special education and inconsistent communication.

Next steps announced at the meeting included commitments from the superintendent to follow up directly with concerned parents and to return with additional details and recommendations for improving family notification and transparency at a future board meeting.