News

Nov. 18, 2022 

Dear Hacienda La Puente Unified Community, 

Hacienda La Puente’s Board of Education believes students, staff, parents and the community have a shared responsibility for maintaining a professional culture built upon collaboration, trust and respect.

During the public comments section at the Nov. 17, 2022 Board meeting, a community member refused to leave the podium after reaching their maximum allocated speaking time set per Board Bylaw 9323.3(a). The community member eventually did leave the podium after being asked by school police to which two audience members directed intimidating comments toward the Board. As is our protocol, the code of conduct for public comments and time limits were shared with the audience. Further, Senate Bill 1100, an amendment to the Brown Act, was signed into law on Aug. 22, 2022 giving presiding members of school District Boards, county Boards of Education and other legislative bodies the statutory right to remove a disruptive individual from public meetings. After one of the audience members was warned, the individual was directed to leave the meeting and refused when directed by school police. 

Because this audience member would not comply and to ensure the safety of our community members and staff in attendance, the Board meeting was recessed. 

Following Penal Code section 403, the Board will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, threatening statements or conduct directed at Board members, their families, or any person in attendance in the meeting.  

Due to the holiday break, the Board will hold a continuation meeting to discuss all November items via Zoom at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. Please visit the District website at https://www.hlpschools.org/board for the link and more information.  

Public comments are an important part of our Board meetings and we value the input of our community. We’d like to remind our speakers to conduct themselves respectfully and to adhere to Board rules for public comment to ensure that everyone who wishes to speak has the chance to be heard.  In addition, we ask that speakers remain mindful of the students and children who are a part of our audience and that we all serve as role models for good behavior and civil discourse.  

Thank you for your support and understanding. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving break with your families.   

Sincerely,  

Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez