Cabrillo HS teachers return; District waiting on DA's Office

Posted: Sep 3, 2010 5:49 PM by Ariel Wesler

It's a new day for Cabrillo High School. Teachers were back at work today after half of them skipped school. District officials say 29 teachers were no-shows yesterday in response to last week's fight between a student and the school's Head Basketball Coach Gary West.

The Lompoc student involved in last week's fight with the Head Basketball Coach Gary West returned to Cabrillo High School earlier this week. That's one reason half the teachers played hookey.

"I was surprised because I was like why are all these subs on campus," said 12th Grader Joy Avila.
Out of six classes?

"I had four subs," Avila said.

District officials say other teachers skipped school to show solidarity for Coach West. Some feel the district is setting a double standard by letting the student return, but not the coach. Superintendent Gregory Kampf says there are different standards for students and employees.

"If we receive additional information that more days are warranted or an expulsion is warranted, then we would reopen the case at that time," Kampf said.

He is still waiting to hear if the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office will file any charges against the coach.

"We will review that and then present with our school board for direction and potential action," Kampf said.

"It's a very unfortunate incident. My daughter was kinda disturbed by it. She plays sports also," said Sandra Castillo, a Cabrillo High School parent.
an unfortunate incident that will serve as a learning opportunity for those who usually do the teaching.

"I think there's a real need for us to review that to have a standard response, different techniques, and to equip people to deal with difficult situations," Kampf said.

An automated telephone message was sent out to parents yesterday telling them back to school night had been postponed until September 16th, but it did not explain why. District leaders say they will consider sending out another phone message to parents next week providing more information.

So far, no disciplinary action has been taken against the teachers, but the superintendent says he will review the matter with the school board. He says hiring substitutes cost the district $2,000.