Courtesy Photo
Instagram user killer_bereh, identified on Twitter as Berenice, posted this photo with the caption, ‘desert mirage high school’s walkout. students standing up for what they believe in, we all have a voice and it’s finally being heard.’
by, Jonathan Moreno
Local Editor
On Friday March 8, 2013 , Principal Mario Walker of Desert Mirage High School was fired, prompting concern from parents and students. The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) also notified Assistant Principal Max Friedman that he was being terminated from his position.
On March 11, Desert Mirage High students organized a school walkout after receiving the news about the firings and about 100 students were part of the walkout.
On March 8, the same day that Principal Walker was fired, Coachella Valley High School Principal, Mary Velasco was also fired. This resulted in parents and staff being upset with the news. Assistant Principal Jose Ramirez voiced his disagreement with the district’s decision to fire Velasco. Ramirez sent a letter to CVUSD Superintendent, Darryl Adams, in which he questioned the decisions the district had made.
Ramirez decided to resign a few days later, as did Gladys Young, also an assistant principle. All three administrators will be given the chance to keep their positions until next school year, when they will be given the opportunity to become teachers.
Darryl Adams released a statement regarding the layoffs. “Coachella Valley Unified School District’s single most important goal is to provide all students with an excellent education. To achieve this goal, we rely on a team of strong administrative leaders. … I can tell you that all personnel decisions are driven by the Board of Education’s unwavering commitment to build the strongest possible team, a team that shares the vision of collaboration, innovation and instructional excellence.”
Marrio Walker has released a statement of his own. Walker has not been able to find a reason why he was terminated. “I have no idea; it would be speculation at this point.” Walker also says that he was not fired; rather that he submitted his resignation on Monday, March 12.
On Thursday, March 14, about 400 Desert Mirage students walked out at 7 a.m. and marched to the CVUSD building. Desert Mirage High student Nereida Montes says, “We want answers and stability and transparency in our school district.” Despite the protests from students and parents, the school board reaffirmed their decision on the layoffs.
The CVUSD has decided that they will not punish the students who participated in the walkout, but they have sent a voice message to Desert Mirage students, warning them of punishment if they walk out again.