Chris Staples, a candidate for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education, responded to The Olive Grove News’s request for comment about a flyer posted on social media by writing, “I do not comment on baseless rumors.”
The flyer, posted in the Facebook group La Mirada Interactive Community, displays Staples’s photograph alongside the words “SEXUAL HARASSMENT.” The Olive Grove News has not identified the flyer’s author or independently verified its claims and submitted a California Public Records Act request to the District seeking any records related to the claims.
During public comment at the District’s October 12 Board of Education meeting, Tammye McDuff, reporting for The Olive Grove News, asked whether the District was aware of the claims and if they were aware of the flyer.
In an October 13 written response to the newspaper’s inquiry, District Public Information Officer sent an ‘official statement saying they were aware of allegations involving a former board member. The response further stated the District would monitor developments, but could not provide additional information, and directed further questions be addressed to the individual involved.
The official statements response did not name Staples. It did not state whether a formal complaint had been filed, whether an investigation was underway, or whether findings had been made.
On October 14, The Olive Grove News submitted a California Public Records Act request to Superintendent Tania Magaña seeking records related to the matter.
Magaña acknowledged receipt that morning and said the request would be forwarded to the appropriate District staff for review and processing in accordance with applicable law.
The acknowledgment did not indicate whether the District possessed responsive records.
On October 14, The Olive Grove News emailed Staples requesting comment on the claims referenced in the flyer, with a response deadline of 5 p.m. October 16. Staples replied at 4:42 p.m. October 16: “I do not comment on baseless rumors.”
The Olive Grove News continues to seek documentation and firsthand information to assess the flyer’s claims and determine whether any related complaints, investigations, or findings are documented.
The newspaper will evaluate the District’s response and any records provided before drawing conclusions. An absence of responsive records would not, by itself, establish whether the conduct described in the flyer occurred.
The Olive Grove News is committed to fair and accurate reporting, giving those involved an opportunity to respond, and clearly distinguishing verified facts from allegations. We will continue to follow this story and report what we can substantiate.
