Paradise Valley Unified School District Superintendent Resigns Following Reports Of Harassment
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We’ve heard how so-called COVID-19 fatigue may be contributing to less adherence to public health precautions, like wearing a mask or traveling to see family.
But as the pandemic carries on and Arizonans remain divided about how best to act, the consequences have been more tangible in some cases. Consider demonstrations against various COVID-19 precautions, including distance learning for K-12 students.
The superintendent of the Paradise Valley Unified School District, Jesse Welsh, resigned Monday after he says parents harassed him about his handling of school closures and reopenings. His is just one example of how the pandemic has affected school leaders.
During a special Monday meeting, the district’s governing board accepted Welsh’s resignation effective Dec. 31. Welsh became superintendent after his predecessor James P. Lee retired in 2019. Lee will serve as interim superintendent after Welsh’s departure.
The district returned students to distance learning late last month in response to rising COVID-19 cases. Media reports say Welsh and his family have been harassed at their home by parents in favor of in-person classes. Welsh and the district have not confirmed whether these actions are behind Welsh’s resignation but said in a statement that it is in the best interest of both parties to separate.
Lily Altavena of the Arizona Republic reported on the story, and she joined The Show to talk about it.
