For the second time this week, high school students in Boyle Heights walked off their campus Friday, holding signs and marching through the neighborhood, demanding answers as to why their principal was not at school.
Student-made signs targeting the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent read: “Transparency is a must” and “We want answers.”
There is talk of the sudden absence of the principal of Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School in East Los Angeles.
Students say it’s been about a month since principal Mauro Bautista has been inexplicably gone, and they want to know what happened, and they want him back in time for graduation to sign diplomas.
In an official list of demands written by the student, they say that the deputy principal has also not been to the school.
“We are here as a community demanding transparency and accountability from the district, as well as the rightful return of our vice principal and principal. We demand that our voices be heard so that there can be accountability from the district.”
Earlier this week, on May 28, students marched off campus holding signs that read, “There is no Mendez High School without Bautista.”
Los Angeles Unified School District responded, but said only that personnel matters remain confidential.
“The health and safety of our students and staff remains my top priority. On April 29 and May 13, we sent notices regarding the principal’s absence. Consistent with district policy and out of respect for our employees, human resources matters remain confidential,” the statement read . “We have informed our students, employees and families about this issue and will continue to do so, as appropriate.”
The student list of requirements highlighted Bautista’s attributes. He said he has served as a community leader since 2009, strengthening the school’s athletics, advocating for student mental health and being highly visible on campus.
“Mr. Bautista has been a great leader for all of us, and it is critical for our community to have him back. Thank you,” the student letter said.
In the principal’s message on the school’s website, Bautista said he has been blessed to be part of the school since its inception 15 years ago, first as assistant principal and then as principal.
He highlighted the school’s AP class offerings, student achievements and the school’s winning athletic programs.
“We have a motto that says: ‘Champions in the classroom and champions in the competition.’ Our students and staff have certainly lived up to these high standards,” Bautista wrote.
