Former high-level San Diego Unified officials are alleging that some within the district were aware of disgraced superintendent Lamont Jackson’s misconduct long before it came to light and did nothing to prevent it. They also say current Interim Superintendent Fabiola Bagula helped Jackson maintain a culture of quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Jackson himself also covered up the misconduct of others, according to some of the allegations.
The allegations are contained in newly-released documents, requested by Voice of San Diego and other local media outlets, in the wake of Jackson’s dismissal last month.
The documents contain multiple revelations.
Within the documents are two claims for monetary damages by former administrators who say they were harassed by Jackson and Bagula. The documents also contain a complaint with several specific allegations against Jackson, which claims to have been written by a group of anonymous principals, months before the investigation into Jackson began. A fourth, very brief complaint also accuses Jackson of sexual harassment.
The two former administrators, Monika Hazel and Tavga Bustani, both say that Jackson made frequent sexual advances on them and that he implicitly tied these advances to their career prospects in the district.
Both Hazel and Bustani portray Bagula as working in concert with Jackson to reinforce his harassment.
In one particularly disturbing incident, “Bagula ordered Mrs. Hazel to speak to her in a ‘baby girl’ voice while cowering and bowing towards her,” the complaint alleges.
“Bagula made highly antagonistic, threatening, and false accusations against Mrs. Hazel,” wrote Linda Albers, a lawyer who is representing Hazel and Bustani, in the complaint.
Bagula did not respond to a request for comment.
Mike Murad, a district spokesperson, wrote in a statement that all of the complaints in the document have been investigated. The allegations specifically against Bagula were “thoroughly investigated and resolved,” he wrote.
The wording there is important. Murad declined, when pressed, to say whether the complaints against Bagula were substantiated or not. When a complaint is substantiated that means investigators found that it more likely than not occurred.
Some board members have made it clear they want to appoint Bagula as the new superintendent.
“There’s every intention that [Bagula] is going to continue forward as the superintendent and there’s not an intention right now to do a search [for a new superintendent,]” board member Richard Barrera, previously told Voice.
The new documents have not seemed to change Barrera’s mind.
He told the Union-Tribune he “has full confidence” in Bagula going forward. Late Tuesday, board president Shana Hazan echoed his statement.
The documents include a letter dated July 6, 2023, which claims to have been written by a group of anonymous principals. It lays out multiple specific allegations against Jackson. The letter was written months before the district’s investigation into Jackson began in April 2024.
The letter reads: “Of particular concern are the disturbing accounts that have circulated in our district for years relating to Dr. Jackson’s own misconduct and the covering-up of other’s misconduct.”
The letter mentions two alleged instances of Jackson promoting people with whom he had sexual relationships. The letter names those people, but the names are redacted.
“There is a troubling pattern of terminating highly capable women of color from senior level positions,” the letter reads. “Conversely, women who are linked to Dr. Jackson through speculative sexual relationships and personal loyalties are being promoted.”
The letter was addressed to board members, but some board members say they never saw it.
“It’s concerning to me,” said board member Cody Petterson. “The board never saw that letter until it was released to the public. Nor was the board aware such a letter existed. We as a board will have to, moving forward, understand why that occurred and correct it in the future. Because certainly that should have been shared with the board.”
Murad, in the district statement, wrote that “it was determined that the allegations were expressly based on rumors and speculation from third-party anonymous sources and so, were not investigated further at the time.”
The allegations, though anonymous, were highly specific. District officials did not immediately respond to questions about whether they decline to investigate all anonymous complaints.
The same allegations included in the letter did in fact emerge during the third party investigation that began in April, Murad wrote in the statement. It seems the investigation did not uncover enough evidence to substantiate the letter’s allegations.
District administrators apparently assumed the letter had been shared with board members. They only learned recently that it was not, according to Murad.
The timing of the sexual misconduct revelations, as well as allegations of cover ups, are uncanny.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights slammed San Diego Unified for improperly handling years worth of sexual misconduct complaints.
The Office of Civil Rights looked into hundreds of allegations and found “more often than not” the district failed to adequately respond to sexual harassment.
Despite the federal report and the recent findings surrounding Jackson, some board members do not concede the district has fostered a culture of permissiveness.
“I think the board is unanimously committed to … making improvements where we need to,” Barrera previously told Voice.
The new documents also contain more specifics about the unwelcome sexual behavior Jackson allegedly exhibited.
Hazel alleges that Jackson made multiple sexual advances on her, before ultimately demoting her.
Jackson asked “her to go with him to a hotel room, to his own home (when his wife wasn’t present), and even to Las Vegas,” the complaint alleges. “Mrs. Hazel rejected all the overtures.”
In December 2022, “Jackson made one final highly overt and direct sexual overture towards Mrs. Hazel,” the complaint alleges. Hazel rejected it.
Just one month later, Hazel learned she would be demoted from a high-level district position to a classroom teacher.
Hazel is asking the district to pay her $700,000.
Bustani also alleges Jackson made multiple sexual advances toward her and that she was demoted after rejecting them. Bustani is seeking $2 million.
“While alone with [Bustani,] [Jackson] repeatedly indicated his sexual interest in her and concurrently talked about career advancement opportunities for her, implying there would be an exchange of advancement for the intimate relations,” the complaint reads. “Jackson even made several direct proposals to Ms. Bustani that they should get together sexually despite his marriage and despite her committed relationship.”
Bustani was ultimately demoted from her high-level district role to classroom teacher. The demotion meant a dramatic cut in pay. Bustani, who was the sole breadwinner for her children, feared “financial ruin,” according to the complaint.
District officials proposed she sign an agreement, which would waive any claims she might have against the district in exchange for several months of pay. They gave her three days to decide whether to sign.
“Dr. Jackson, with the assistance of Dr. Bugala, created a situation that caused Ms. Bustani to be very fearful of financial ruin. The agreement was foisted upon Ms. Bustani through coercive means so that she was deprived of her free will,” the complaint reads. “The economic duress that district placed on Ms. Bustani was coercive enough to cause a reasonable person, faced with no other alternative, to agree to the unfavorable contract.”
School districts make frequent use of legal agreements in misconduct cases. A yearslong investigation into school sexual misconduct by Voice found that teachers who have committed misconduct frequently agree to quietly resign in exchange for districts agreeing to not disclose the misconduct.
It’s unclear which specific allegations in the new documents were substantiated by the third party investigators and which were not.
The investigation into Jackson that concluded last month found it “more likely than not that Dr. Jackson engaged in unwelcome, sex-based behavior.”
But the investigation found insufficient evidence to conclude Jackson promoted and demoted people based on whether they accepted his sexual advances.
We taxpayers are being conned into no-action on this abhorrent leadership failure with the standard bureaucratic nonsense “nothing to see here – so just move along”. Regrettably we have no way to just ‘clean house’ to remove all Board members and senior staff so we can rebuild the district’s leadership team! I do not trust this Board, period! Also, why hasn’t Cindy Marten, the previous supt,. been interrogated for it looks like the ‘casual’ attitude towards this type misconduct began when she was in charge and has just been carried forward by her successor. The Board agreed to pay Jackson six months severance to avoid future litigation. Look how that is working out with 2 former staff now seeking millions of dollars in payment for their discharge by Jackson….so we taxpayers get a double whammy monetary shaft whilst Barrera and his cohorts escape penalty free. All the more reason they all must go and be replaced!
did anyone do any research on how these two women have both been let go as principals- hamilton elementary and walker elementary both let go of these women because they are toxic bullies- good luck fallbrook- their behavior created gross work conditions at the district office too. Their accusations sound like projections.
Gio, how well do you know these women? You sound like Trump. Because a woman brings a charge against a man she must be wrong based on her past? These two women have an a strong background in leading in the field of education. Did they try and make change when others were resistant? Possibly. But they are in their positions today because they made change that impacted student achievement.
Gio, how well do you know these women? You sound like Trump. Because a woman brings a charge against a man she must be wrong based on her past? These two women have an a strong background in leading in the field of education. Did they try and make change when others were resistant? Possibly. But they are in their positions today because they made change that impacted student achievement.
Mazy/Marion Lovely how you are commenting under multiple names.
Fabiola Bagula is a real leader. Everyone that has worked with and for her can tell you that these accusations against her are ludicrous. I know people that have worked for the other two administrators and they are tyrants and bullies. Ask any teacher who has worked for them and they will say the same. They led through fear, where as Ms Bagula leads through kindness and love. She truly wants everyone to succeed. These women are bitter because they got demoted for their lack of character, and for no other reason. I hope Fabiola becomes our permanent superintendent.
And kindness and love improves instruction? What has been the instructional focus of the district been the past few years, including this year? What kind of professional development is being offered around these instructional goals? Come on, all educational institutions must be about improving student achievement. SDUSD has had zero instructional focus in recent years. Kindness and love intertwined with a solid instructional focus would be great. Not happening!
You’re confusing kindness and love with the lowering of expectations to the point that everyone gets a meaningless trophy. Failing upward does not lead to success in the real world.
SDUSD is lucky to have Dr. Bagula! She is the leader that students, families, and the district need and deserve. I have personally worked with Dr. Bagula for many years – as both a teacher and district office staff – and her leadership is one to be commended and modeled after. If anything, she is the one advocating and working towards creating a more equitable, positive, and caring culture – standing up to those who lead by fear and intimidation!
Dr. Bagula is fair, level-headed, listens, truly cares about students and families, works towards systems of equity, and is a brilliant, warm, and kind leader!
Dr. Bagula is an exceptional leader and has been a true joy to work. In working with her in the past I have only known her to be an amazing leader that is respectful and mindful of all.
San Diego Unified has never recovered from “leadership” practices that the Bersin/Alvarado era of “school reform “ created. The school board has no excuse for not knowing about Mr. Jackson’s conduct. The teacher’s union should also question their involvement in school board elections. San Diego Unified as an organization lacks the professional depth of knowledge to realize that they are responsible for our young people, their families and the communities where they live.
I have worked with Dr. Bagula for over 21 years as a teacher and leader. She leads with transparency, integrity and love. I think SDUSD will be lucky to have her as our leader.
Seriously? More of the same? Let’s protect those that agree with the status quo and not turn a blind eye…. SDUSD needs to hire a superintendent that has no connection to any individual in the system. Stop the nepotism. The system is broken and those who support Ms. Bagula know it. They can’t speak the truth because they know if any new superintendent comes in from outside the district they may not have their high paid jobs they have today.
Funny because she actually didn’t come from the district she used to work for the state. She did come In from outside
Nancy, do your homework. She was a long time district employee before going to the county office of education.
Robert, do YOUR homework because you have no idea why she ended up going to SDCOE, but I do and it was in part because toxic people like these two women and the previous superintendent who made it intolerable. I’ll bet you’re a great armchair quarterback.
Sharon, calm down…. I simply corrected the previous post who said she came from the state and had not worked in the district. I never said why she left the district and certainly have not posted negative comments about individuals as you have.
No need to mansplain Robert. Sit back down and enjoy the football game.
“Mansplain”? That says a lot and perhaps why you are such a supporter.
Oohh..i like how hard you tried not to mansplain. 🙌🏼
Dr Bagula is an amazing leader! SDUSD is lucky to have her. I have had the privilege of working under Dr. Bagula, and I can confidently say she is an outstanding leader that is fair and respectful. I think SDUSD is fortunate to have someone of her caliber.
Dr. Bagula is an exceptional leader! I have had the opportunity to observe her as a teacher, principal, area superintendent, and most recently, as the deputy superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. With each and every position, she has consistently been professional, communicative, shown integrity and has been a voice and advocate for our students, families and educators within our district. San Diego Unified School District needs a leader like Dr. Bagula and I hope that she is appointed as our new superintendent.
I have known Fabiola Bagula for years. She is always authentic, open, inclusive, and she leads with integrity and respect for all.
Dr Bagula has not only been a leader but a mentor. She cares about our students, families, and staff. What she did was hold many people accountable when she had to work on budget that’s was a mess from previous admin. She worked hard to keep student facing staff and focused on those who were performing. It is unfortunate what happened with these two women who clearly did stay within the district due to Jackson but Bagula did her job, how was she supposed to know what he was doing or who.
These accusations against Dr Bagula are out of line and ridiculous. Sounds like retaliation against her because she took action on their work. She is amazing, works so hard for the community and is completely dedicated to her work. The allegations against her are completely absurd!
I just want to say that I stand by Dr. Bagula completely. I know she is being falsely accused, and it breaks my heart to see her go through this. She is a woman whose integrity and character are beyond question, and I have no doubt the truth will come out.
Dr. Bagula was a principal who led with her heart. She always put the needs of the students, parents, and families first. She was fair, honest, and hardworking. Dr. Bagula always made her teachers feel heard and appreciated. She made me a better teacher. I’m thankful for all that I learned under her leadership
Why on gods good earth would the board of education even consider keeping Fabiola Bagala? She was brought in by a corrupt sup, has claims filed against her already, and obviously covered for him. Why wouldn’t the board do whats right and start with someone fresh? There are bound to be more skeletons that have not ben discovered yet. Cut her loose and start over. Our kids deserve more.
The allegations against her were cleared and unsubstantiated. She released a statement. The only wrongdoing here is Mr Jackson, he made others around him seem as if they knew. Or allowed his behavior. He is the only one responsible for his actions.
Talk to people who have been in the district and in a management position for a number of years. Very few are surprised by what has occurred. To say the interim superintendent did not have any knowledge is hard to believe. Agree the district needs to look for a new superintendent with zero ties to the district.
“There’s every intention that [Bagula] is going to continue forward as the superintendent and there’s not an intention right now to do a search [for a new superintendent,]” board member Richard Barrera, previously told Voice.,,,.,,SERIOUSLY, Richard? This is exactly what is wrong with this administration and board! I mean they aren’t even trying to hide their corrupt hiring practices anymore,,,this is all just a continuation of what has been happening at the district these past couple of years— let’s get rid of those we don’t like, post the position for the least amount of time required, hand pick the panel and hire our friends. A leader who is okay with this unfair way of earning the superintendent role has red flags all over them!
You cannot separate Bagula from Jackson. He created a new position for her and has promoted her more than anyone else since he took the job. And the guy clearly has a problem with quid pro quo favoritism. She might be an excellent administrator though I have serious doubts, but she has to reestablish herself outside of his orbit.
Wow, never seen so many posts to defend someone. Wonder what is really going? 🤔