Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School is seeking a new principal months after the controversial removal of its longtime principal last spring, which spurred days of protests, according to L.A. Unified.
Photo by Andrew Lopez.
At a meeting led by district officials on Tuesday, faculty and staff at the school were informed that Mauro Bautista, who held the position of principal since 2011, had resigned, according to Mendez Community School Coordinator Emily Grijalva.
Grijalva said officials also read a personal letter by Bautista announcing his departure. No reason for the resignation was given, and the District did not provide information about his past removal.
“It’s been six months that we’ve had this open wound. We’re stressed out and sad,” shared Grijalva. “It was a very sad meeting, we shared what we loved about Mauro and what he brought to the school.”
A letter signed by Region East Superintendent Jose P. Huerta was sent to staff at the school explaining the change. An LAUSD spokesperson confirmed the contents of the letter with Boyle Heights Beat.
“We are committed to finding a candidate who will uphold Mendez High School’s values and continue to foster a positive and welcoming learning environment for all students, families and employees,” the letter read. “We welcome parent and stakeholder feedback as we move into the interview process for the candidates.”
The letter also states that the District is providing counselors and any other appropriate support students may need.
The announcement comes months after Bautista was removed from campus without explanation last school year, sparking a series of demonstrations by students and staff calling for his reinstatement and seeking transparency from LAUSD.
While the multiple sitouts, walkouts and marches didn’t bring Bautista back, he was able to share a video message with the graduating class at their June ceremony.
LAUSD officials repeatedly told parents as well as Boyle Heights Beat that they couldn’t give details on Bautista’s absence, citing employee confidentiality.
Students began the school year this August with Fred Simmons and Alexander Contreras as interim principal and assistant principal, respectively, following a tumultuous conclusion to the previous school year.
In the letter to parents, Huerta states John Aguirre will serve as interim principal starting Oct. 21 until the permanent position is filled.
Boyle Heights Beat reporter Ricky Rodas contributed to this story.
Photo by Andrew Lopez.
