💼 Leadership Under Scrutiny: Problematic Practices at Tucson High

Unveiling a climate of fear and retaliation within the school's administration - Highlighting the shift needed from personal gains to student well-being

Dec 09, 2024

Main building at Tucson High School opened 100 years ago

😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾

😟🏫 A lot of people at a school are upset because some of the adults in charge are not being very nice. 😡 They are making others feel scared to speak up or do their jobs happily. 😰 The people who work at the school want these adults to leave so that everyone can feel safe 🛡️ and focus on helping the kids learn 📚 and grow 🌱. It's important for schools to be places where everyone feels good 😊 and supported 🤝.

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🗝️ Takeaways

🚨 Some school employees report experiencing intimidation and harassment.
🛑 Calls for immediate removal of problematic school administrators.
👥 Staff demand a supportive and respectful work environment.
💰 Concerns were raised about financial gains taking precedence over student needs.
🔄 High turnover and fear culture resulting from leadership actions.
🛡️ New policies are needed to prevent harassment and ensure accountability.

TUSD Governing Board Members:

At Tucson High School, an environment that should promote learning, safety, and mutual respect, a disturbing pattern of retaliation and harassment has emerged, leaving both employees and students questioning the integrity of the administration.

Recent accounts suggest that certain individuals in positions of power have been using their authority to intimidate, harass, and silence staff members, creating an unsafe and toxic workplace culture.

Bob Thompson: Harassment and the Breaking Point

One of the most alarming stories comes from an employee who faced relentless harassment at the hands of Bob Thompson.

The situation escalated to such an extent that the targeted employee reportedly reached a breaking point, considering suicide as an escape from the ongoing torment. The gravity of this situation highlights the severe emotional and psychological toll that such behavior can take on an individual.

Thompson's alleged actions have raised serious questions about the role of leadership in fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Employees at Tucson High School should feel secure in their roles and free from the fear of retaliation for raising concerns or simply doing their jobs. The story of this employee is just one example of the damaging effects of unchecked power.

Chris Hixon: Power and Retaliation

Chris Hixon, another figure under scrutiny, has similarly been accused of using his power to retaliate against teachers who challenge or disagree with his actions.

Reports suggest that Hixon has repeatedly used his authority to punish those who speak out, further cultivating a climate of fear and silence. This pattern of retaliation makes it clear that those in charge are not only failing to protect their staff but actively creating an atmosphere where questioning authority comes at a steep personal cost.

These actions are not just troubling on a personal level but are also detrimental to the school's broader mission of education. Teachers, who should be focused on their students' well-being and academic success, instead find themselves battling against a system that punishes them for doing what is right.

Guadalupe Perez: Divide and Torment

Guadalupe Perez, another administrator, has also been accused of creating a toxic environment for her staff. Reports suggest that Perez uses manipulative tactics to pit employees against each other, fostering division within her department.

This "divide and conquer" approach has led to a revolving door of employees, many of whom are left constantly fearful of being written up or disciplined for minor infractions. Perez is alleged to write up employees relentlessly, creating an environment of constant anxiety and stress.

The high turnover in her department speaks volumes about the lack of stability and the toxic culture she is reportedly fostering. Employees should not have to worry about losing their jobs due to petty write-ups or being used as pawns in a larger scheme of manipulation.

Camille Martinez: Self-Promotion and Disconnection

Camille Martinez, another administrator, has been described as someone whose arrival has only increased tension within the school. According to reports, from the moment she arrived, all Martinez seemed focused on was promoting herself.

Dubbed "Dr. Harvard" by some of her colleagues, she allegedly believes she is superior to others, often touting her academic credentials. However, despite her self-proclaimed expertise, employees question how someone who presents themselves as so accomplished can still struggle with the basic technologies Tucson High School offers.

Martinez's reluctance to listen to those around her—especially those who are closest to the day-to-day operations—has only further alienated staff members. Her apparent unwillingness to embrace available resources or collaborate with those who are most familiar with the school's systems leaves many wondering if she is truly interested in helping the school or if her primary concern is maintaining her self-image. This lack of humility and willingness to engage with others has deepened the rift between administration and staff.

Steven Rothkoft: A Poor Choice for Leadership

Steven Rothkoft, a name mentioned in previous articles (below), is often referred to as the "bottom of the barrel Steve" when it comes to administrative choices.

Allegedly, Rothkoft was not the first, second, or even third choice for his position, raising serious questions about why he was hired at all. His lack of knowledge about athletics and the extracurricular activities that Tucson High School offers has left many wondering how he could have been chosen to lead such an important area.

Rothkoft's apparent disinterest in learning about the school's programs or engaging with the students has fueled further frustration. Reports suggest that he shows no willingness to listen to those around him, nor does he seem inclined to understand the needs of the students or staff.

Worse yet, many believe that Rothkoft simply does not want to be around children. His lack of passion for his role and his disengagement with the school's mission have led many to question whether he is truly invested in the success of Tucson High School or if his position is just a job to him, with no deeper commitment to the community he is supposed to serve.

Cathy Comstock: Witch Hunts and Loyalty to Gabriel Trujillo

Cathy Comstock, an administrator at Tucson High School, has been a subject of much criticism.

Reports suggest that she is constantly engaging in "witch hunts," targeting staff members and creating a hostile work environment. It's said that Comstock becomes so entrenched in one vendetta that she cannot escape it before beginning another.

Her actions have raised eyebrows for another reason: her close relationship with Gabriel Trujillo, the superintendent. Many believe Comstock follows Trujillo's orders without question, even when they go against the policies of the Governing Board. This unyielding loyalty, despite the questionable nature of her actions, has made Comstock a divisive figure at the school.

The Bigger Picture: Financial Gains Over Students

There is growing frustration among staff that the primary motivation for many of these individuals seems to be personal financial gain, rather than the well-being of students.

While teachers and staff dedicate their efforts to helping students grow and succeed, believing that the students are the future, many feel that administrators are focused on securing hefty raises that rival the wages of clerical staff.

Such actions raise an important question: where is the money going?

The tax dollars that support the school system should be used to improve student education, not to fund inflated salaries for administrators who seem disconnected from the students they are meant to serve.

A Call for Accountability: Immediate Removal of Comstock and Rothkoft

As Tucson High School employees, we demand immediate action. Cathy Comstock and Steven Rothkoft must be removed from their positions immediately. We cannot wait for the following school year to begin this much-needed change.

The harmful actions of these individuals have created an unsafe, toxic environment for both students and staff, and we cannot allow their continued presence on campus.

Moving forward, we call for a fresh start with a clean slate. The upcoming school year should usher in a new administration—one that is committed to fostering an environment of respect, safety, and support for all employees and students. We deserve leadership that is focused on the well-being of the students, rather than personal gains.

Moving Forward: Building a Safer Environment

To move forward, it is essential that Tucson High School implements clear policies and practices to prevent harassment and retaliation. This includes offering support to those who come forward with complaints, providing training for staff on how to create a respectful and professional environment, and ensuring that any form of retaliation is met with swift consequences.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by harassment or retaliation at Tucson High School, it is vital to reach out to the proper authorities for support. Resources are available, including counseling services and legal avenues, to ensure that those affected have the help they need to heal and take action.

It's time to stop the cycle of fear, to demand accountability, and to make Tucson High School a place of true learning, growth, and respect.

THMS EMPLOYEES WHO CARE TOO MUCH TO REMAIN SILENT