Update: Report Affirms Ethnic Slur Allegations in LCUSD

The 's third-party investigator has substantiated a complaint by former board member Cindy Wilcox against Gabrielle Leko, the math teacher in her classroom over the years.

The finding is contained in a summary report, dated March 7 and attached at the right, of an investigator's findings on Wilcox’s so-called Uniform Public Complaint, which was filed in November. A full report is due in about two weeks.

The independent investigator's report corroborates an earlier investigation the District did internally.

Among the report’s findings:

• "The  report concludes: 'Regardless of intent, the above described substantiated comments are unlawful and inappropriate, Not only are they offensive to the targeted student but invite replication and set an example for the entire class condoning the use of such comments.'"

• "The complainant alleged discrimination by the specified District employee based upon gender, ethnic identlfication, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability. The findings substantiate, wholly or in part, allegations related to gender, ethnic group identification, race and religion."

Wilcox praised the report’s findings. “I think this presents strong findings, and I'm pleased that the District took the necessary steps to investigate and validate the allegations," she said in an email to Patch. "I regret that our geometry students spent an entire year with Mrs. Leko, and it's important for our students to understand that Mrs. Leko's behavior was unacceptable.”

Leko’s fate remains uncertain. The district failed to reach a settlement with Leko that would terminate her employment, and she remains in the employ of the district. but it’s not clear how long it may take to relieve Leko of her duties, if that in fact happens. District officials have hired a new math instructor. Leko still teaches math, albeit with a substitute instructor in her room.

We’ll try to get a reaction from Leko, who has previously declined to comment, and will have more information as we get it.