Board Votes to Fire Embattled Teacher
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Despite emotional pleas to keep a veteran high school teacher, Capistrano Unified’s board on Monday fired Paul Pflueger on the grounds of unsatisfactory performance.
In a meeting room packed with about 300 parents, students and teachers, the school board voted 6 to 1 to dismiss the popular but provocative history teacher, who has taught for nearly 18 years at Capistrano Valley High. Pflueger was effectively fired, but he has 30 days to request a hearing on the decision.
Surrounded by somber supporters, Pflueger said after the vote: “I am very upset people have not looked further into this case. I think they have violated my rights.”
In a meeting room packed with people, the school board heard reasons why they should or should not dismiss him.
Pflueger, 55, known for evoking heated classroom debates, came under attack about 18 months ago when district officials began receiving complaints from parents and teachers.
Critics alleged that he demeaned students and showed no consistency in his teaching. Administrators conducted a series of classroom observations and inquiries into the matter and came up with 42 charges against him, including that:
* Pflueger embarrassed students in the classroom and sometimes made comments that were racially offensive.
* He made disparaging remarks about administrators and other teachers in front of his students.
* He did not use a consistent grading system to evaluate students’ work.
* He did not follow the district’s curriculum.
But Pflueger’s supporters argued that the allegations were inaccurate and unsubstantiated, an attempt to remove a teacher who was unorthodox. Aiming to counter the accusations, scores of his backers showed up at Monday’s meeting to praise him for inspiring students to achieve academic excellence.
“He taught me how to question authority and stand up for my rights,” said student Jessica Krause, who wore a T-shirt declaring: “Save Pflueger.”
A group of Latino students attended Monday’s board meeting to contest the allegation that Pflueger was racially insensitive. Special-education students attended to praise Pflueger for spending after-school hours with them. And a group of parents rallied behind the beleaguered teacher, describing him as a provocateur who stimulated effective classroom discussions by playing devil’s advocate.
“I’m a Christian, right-wing conservative Republican,” said Julie Wagner, a 1983 graduate of the high school. “Paul and I could not be [more] different. . . . [But] he’s a man who cares about students.”
But foes also spoke out, portraying Pflueger as a disorganized and abrasive teacher. His lectures, they said, were disjointed and strayed toward irrelevant discussions. Worst of all, they said, was the high rate of failure among his students.
“He put me through mental and physical torture,” said Lacey Csuzdi, who was in his class in 1995. “I look at him now, and he makes my stomach squirm.”
Teacher Debbie Burdyshaw, who said she transferred to another school because of Pflueger, stated in a letter to the school board: “There’s no redeeming qualities to this person as an educator.”
If Pflueger appeals the decision, the case will go to a three-person panel for review and a final judgment.
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