A Somerton woman was terminated from her position as a cheerleading coach and physical education teacher at Somerton High School after she says she made accommodations for a male cheerleader who was being bullied at school for his sexual orientation.
Alyssa Plaza tells KAWC she did not receive any warnings from school administration when she allowed student Alejandro Perez to change in a space other than the boys locker room and restroom where he did not feel safe. It was reported to school or district officials that the student was allowed to change in the girls locker room. Plaza said he was changing in a storage room when the nurse's room was not available.
Last week, the Yuma Union High School District board voted 4-0 to terminate Plaza following the recommendation of Superintendent Tim Brienza. The board is comprised of president Jacqueline Kravitz, vice president Christy Cradic and board members Carlos Gonzalez and Shelly Mellon. Board member David Lara was absent from the April meeting.
Plaza said the bullying began last year but escalated this year.
"I could tell his demeanor has changed," Plaza said. "If you're a teacher or coach, you can tell when a student is acting different.
"He told me the bullying is back and has gotten worse. Some students were calling him gay, calling him a f****t, he told me 'some students are saying I should kill myself.' I said to myself I can't believe this is happening."
KAWC contacted a YUHSD official who did confirm Plaza's termination but said that district officials "are not legally permitted to comment further on personnel matters."
A petition on change.org calling on the board to reinstate Plaza had just under 24,000
signatures as of Tuesday afternoon but she said she didn't expect the district to bring her back.
"All I'm asking for is not only my teaching credential to be back but I do want an apology from the school board," Plaza said.
A YUSHD official said the district does not determine whether or not to suspend a teaching credential but that that is up to the Arizona Department of Education. A search on the azed.gov website shows that Plaza's certificate for Emergency Teaching Secondary, 6-12 for the subject area of physical education is valid through the end of June.
Plaza said the cheer season is over and the position of head coach for the spiritline team is posted on the district website.
Late Monday, Plaza said she is seeking legal counsel.
Plaza said she has received a job offer in student services and possibly to coach dance and cheer at the Harvest Preparatory Academy public charter school.
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Stay tuned to KAWC to hear more from Alyssa Plaza, who was terminated from Somerton High School.
