Staff changes at Carmel River Elementary School prompt a claim against the school district.

After a series of high-profile departures from Carmel Unified School District, it started to look like maybe the leadership team would stabilize.

In the midst of a shakeup, with the superintendent resigning and Carmel High principal fired, longtime River Elementary School Principal Jay Marden announced his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 school year. His departure came after he raised objections to the former superintendent’s failure to notify Marden about why a custodian had been reassigned to River School; that reassignment, it was later revealed, came amid allegations of harassment by a direct report who subsequently sued the district.

Alberto Ramirez was hired as Marden’s replacement. He lasted just one year; in June, Superintendent Sharon Ofek notified families that Therese Phillips would take over for the 2024-25 school year. “I would like to thank Mr. Ramirez for his time as principal; however, there will be a change in leadership,” Ofek wrote.

On Oct. 24, Ramirez filed a claim against Carmel Unified, alleging that his termination was a retaliatory act taken against him when he stood up for student safety. “The basic facts here cast Carmel River Elementary School and the district in a very poor light,” his San Francisco-based attorney, Michael Welch, wrote.

The claim centers on a physical education teacher, Russell Shugars. In March of last year, according to multiple parents and Welch’s letter, Shugars threw a cone at a fifth-grader, striking him under the eye. Shugars was placed on leave pending an investigation, for about six weeks.

According to his claim, after the incident with the cone, Ramirez heard about other instances of alleged bullying or threatening behavior Shugars had exhibited toward students. Parents describe a history of screaming and intimidation toward students as young as kindergarten.

Ramirez urged Ofek and Human Resources Director Craig Chavez to keep Shugars away from River School for good. “In my capacity as principal, and with over 30 years of experience in education, I do not see him fit to be around children,” Welch claims Ramirez wrote to the CUSD administration. “Please do not allow [Shugars] to return to Carmel River School.”

He did return, in spite of Ramirez’s pleas – and then Ramirez learned CUSD leaders intended not to renew his own contract for the 2024-25 school year.

Ramirez also claims he was underpaid by about $25,000 based on his qualifications. He is seeking upwards of $240,000. The CUSD board has yet reviewed the claim. If they deny it, Ramirez may proceed with a lawsuit.

Ramirez’s attorney declined to comment. Ofek declined to be interviewed, noting the district cannot comment on ongoing litigation.

Shugars was later placed on leave for this school year. The Carmel High newspaper The Sandpiper reported in November that Shugars also resigned from coaching high school and middle school wrestling. Shugars could not be reached.