黑料福利社

Toppenish school leaders said they are committed to serving students, supporting staff and making fiscally responsible decisions.

The district issued the statement in response to a 黑料福利社 story about a lawsuit filed by special education director Sandra Birley against the district and Superintendent Toron Wooldridge. The statement didn't address the details of the case, but spoke generally about staffing and accountability changes.

Birley said she experienced gender discrimination, a hostile work environment and retaliation and the school district failed to take action, according to a complaint filed in Yakima County Superior Court.

The district denied the claims in a response filed in court.聽Wooldridge聽also denied the allegations in two investigations last year conducted on behalf of the district.

Wooldridge was hired in mid-2024 following the departure of former Superintendent John Cerna.

The Toppenish school board voted to discharge Cerna from his contract in February 2026, after he was placed on administrative leave. The district hired outside investigators to look into financial questions after a state audit found improper payments to John M. Cerna and his son, a former Toppenish High School assistant principal.

Under the terms of a settlement which was signed in May 2024, Cerna was allowed to resign and received a $300,000 payment.

New leadership

罢丑别听 this week said聽Wooldridge joined the district during a period of ongoing transition, and has worked to respond to the community's desire for more accountability.

He implemented structural changes and fiscal management systems based on recommendations from聽the Washington Association of School Administrators and the Office of the Washington State Auditor, according to the statement.

"Staffing and accountability changes began before his appointment and have continued out of necessity as the District works to address budget challenges, strengthen accountability and oversight, and ensure resources are aligned to the programs and services that most benefit students and the community," the statement said.

Editor's note: Information about the board's steps with former superintendent John Cerna was revised in this story.