PHX Reporter

In recent comments, Governing Board member Sandra Christensen urged Paradise Valley school district (PVSD) to improve its transparency regarding the details of a teacher's death last Oct.

"Christensen took time to share her experience with the situation at their Nov. 2 board meeting. She was informed on Oct. 16 that the district and local police were investigating a female teacher from Paradise Valley high, Yoshimine, for alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female high school student," said Platform X, quoting Christensen's comments shared after the meeting. At this time, Christensen stated that the teacher had not been arrested but assured that there would be an official statement made by the district if an arrest occurred.

The following day, Oct. 17, Christensen received information about the unexpected passing of the teacher under investigation. According to her statement, she continued asking about the status of the police investigation into this matter and whether any other students might have been victims as well.

It wasn't until nearly a week later when parents within PVSD began sharing information on social media that further insight was provided by the district. “It wasn't until information was shared by parents in the district on social media that the district finally saw fit to provide additional information to parents on Tuesday, Oct. 24th,” Christensen revealed during her Nov. 2 speech at another board meeting.

"I'm very disappointed with the approach that was taken by the district and wanted to personally apologize to the community for how the district handled the situation," said Christensen during her address at one point during their 10-minute discussion." Our families deserve better; we deserve transparency and for all of our children to be protected."