But Imes was also defended by several parents, including Lynn Higgins, whose son is a junior at Boulder Creek. Higgins said any issues she had were addressed immediately. “Mr. Imes has been very honest and up front with the parents.”

Imes did not comment on any of the complaints at the meeting.

Dr. Virginia McElyea, DVUSD superintendent, refused to speak to The Desert Advocate in the days following the meeting. However, she did agree to respond to questions submitted in writing.

Q: Where do you think the disconnect is between the school and the community?

A: At (the April 10 DVUSD) governing board meeting, we heard from an equal number of parents who are supporters of BCHS as we did from those parents who have concerns for their child’s education.

This is a complex issue. Our high schools are orderly and safe. Issues that occur in the community and become common gossip can get out of control, exacerbated by the latest technology such as text messaging and cell phones. As the newest of five high schools in DVUSD, it is still maturing and earning the trust of the community. The practices at BCHS are the same as at our other five schools.

Q: How are you addressing allegations about fights, drugs, and sex in bathrooms with no action being taken?

A: The school investigated those allegations last week and responded appropriately. There will be times when we are unable to reveal those actions due to privacy laws.

Q: How can the community help?

A: They can talk to their students, spend more time getting to know them and their friends. Be involved in the school. Attend parent teacher conferences.

Volunteer. If you are involved in the school, it will be easier for parents to separate fact from fiction.

Q: How can the district help Boulder Creek High School?

A: The district’s sole purpose is to support the needs and challenges of each of the district’s schools. Last week, district administrators Debra Webb, Quinn Kellis and Sandi Hicks all went to BCHS to add additional support and one‑on‑one communication with the community. They visited classrooms. We answer each concern brought to our attention and look for opportunities to open dialogue with parents and the community.

Hicks, director of public relations for DVUSD, pointed out after the meeting that police are allowed to make any arrests necessary when they are on campus and that both parents and students have been arrested on school grounds in the past.

“We try and do it as quietly as possible, so as not to disrupt the classrooms,” said Hicks.

During the board meeting, DVUSD board president Michael Gregoire commended district faculty and leadership for their handling of the April 5 gun threat.

“There was an apparent threat and it was great to see that they were prepared,” he said.