Relocated Miramonte teachers rally
L.A. (BDCi) – The teachers and staff members who were relocated following the scandal at Miramonte Elementary School held a rally and march Thursday afternoon (3).
Their removal, part of the investigation into allegations of misconduct by two other staff members, was three months ago and they have been silent until now.
They say the removal was unfair and that they were told to have no contact with former students.
“All of us have been publicly punished and humiliated for the alleged acts of two people.”
The rally was held at Augusta Hawkins high school in South L.A., the unopened school still under construction to where the teachers were moved.
They believe the innocent teachers should be able to return to Miramonte to finish the year and perhaps even stay next year.
Parents have also urged a concern to have the teachers returned.
“Teachers who have done nothing wrong…continue to be punished and kept away from Miramonte.”
Mark Berndt, one of the teachers charged with abuse of students, has pleaded not guilty to over 20 counts of lewd conduct for allegedly taking pictures of students gagged, blindfolded and being fed Berndt’s semen.
He is being held on $23 million bail, $1 million for each charge.
The second accused teacher, Martin Bernard Springer, 49, is free on $300,000 bail and is fitted with a court-ordered ankle monitoring device.
He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of lewd acts on a child.
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Miramonte Elementary reopens with new staff in wake of scandal Removal of all Miramonte staff and faculty protested Second teacher at Miramonte Elementary charged
By: Diego Díaz
Source: KTLA
Photo: Google
4 May 2012
11:50 a.m. P.D.T.