Calls for More Security in CVUSD Follow Theft of Band Instruments

THERMAL —The Coachella Valley Teachers Association told Uken Report on Friday that the teachers’ association is “concerned about all the recent break-ins at sites in CVUSD” and is calling for more security.

The plea for more security comes in the wake of nearly $25,000 worth of musical instruments being CVUSD. Additionally, just          this week, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity said $1000 was stolen from an unlocked safe in a kitchen at Valle del Sol Elementary.

“This isn’t actually out of the ordinary,” Association President Carissa Carrera told Uken Report. “For years there have been multiple break-ins and some sites seem to be frequently targeted more than others. It does not appear as if our district leadership has made any significant improvements to security over the years to prevent this from occurring other than adding one additional nighttime roving security. We are not certain if this is because the current school board majority holds a very anti-police attitude, but it seems very possible that’s the cause of a lack of improvement to our security. No student should have to show up to class with boarded up windows and missing items from the classroom. Yet it continues to happen without a significant response. ”

Superintendent Frances Esparza told Uken Report that, “This year, I felt it necessary to add cameras to all our schools because of the history of break-ins. The cameras have identified those who have trespassed onto campuses, vandalized, and have stolen items from schools. We have found that we lots of juveniles breaking into our schools. We are also working closely with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, who is supporting us and visiting school sites throughout the day and into the midnight hours.”

Joey Acuña, president of the CVUSD Board of Trustees, has been silent on the matter. Meanwhile his opponent in the upcoming Assembly election has set up a GoFundMe account to help purchase new instruments.

President Carrera said since current acting Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza started with the school district, she’s been given “carte blanche” by the majority of the school board to “revamp the Education Services Department.”

 

Image Sources

  • Coachella Valley Unified School District: CVUSD