Once again, PAUSD has failed to appropriately address sexual harassment. The allegations at Greene in 2021-22 should have been investigated as Title IX complaints because they involved allegations of a hostile environment. The Board needs a new policy such that any time a teacher is alleged to have said or done anything even remotely sexual in nature (calling a student a "pimp" for example) it should be reported to the Board. Apparently, instead of sending the allegations to Title IX, Benavidez decided to attribute them to this alleged predator being a "physical communicator." Don Austin should take a look at what happened during the time that he was in charge, and account for that, because Scott Bowers is evidently not the only person who screwed this up.

Scott Bowers!!! he gets to walk away, WOW

"Accused" So no one else has come forward ? Court dates keep getting extended? DA has nothing is what this article reads like. Since there is no real news, dig some up. Sad to see a persons life and family get slowly destroyed by just one false accusation. No wonder there is a teacher shortage.

Remember, a vital precept to our justice system is “Innocent Until Proven Guilty”. Mr. Colombo was charged on 6/14/22 and has since then sat at home awaiting his day in court. He has been clean for 11 years and is allowed to continue his role as a highly respected AA counselor. Unfortunately, Ms. Morgan goes to great lengths to document complaints against Mr. Colombo but put very little effort into finding the myriad of compliments and thank you cards he has received over the years. In addition, his personnel file is a lot cleaner than many other PAUSD staff members when it comes to complaints.

If a vigorous high five or male chest bump is tantamount to sexual abuse, then there is a long list of PAUSD administrators, teachers, staff, and coaches that are all suspect too. On any given day benevolent high fives, fist bumps, nudges, hugs, and hands on shoulders are administered by the aforementioned. Terms of endearment like “honey” and “sweetheart” are used frequently. Yes, pimp is not an appropriate term, but it is used by students as a compliment, and Mr. Colombo mistakenly fed on that and learned his lesson. As far as offers of food to students, it happens daily on campus. In 27 years, I’ve seen teachers, administrators, and staff offer food to hungry kids, and often students come begging for it. Heck, not long ago, before the PAUSD website was covered with construction images, there was an image of Don Austin seated on a couch with an elementary school child. Should he be investigated too?

Of course, the press is always looking for tantalizing tidbits to attract readers so digging up the Colombo case that has gone nowhere in nearly 8 months with no other accusers coming forward must have seemed a good idea. But the press is not a courtroom, nor is this forum. The accuser, her family, and Mr. Colombo all deserve justice. Let the facts speak before you jump to conclusions.

The rape of a sixth grader over two decades ago and all his other criminal activity, this man should've been sent to prison a long time ago. How he kept his job is beyond me. I hope he's sentenced to prison for the rest of his life. Hopefully there aren't other victims. Referring to a student as a "pimp" isn't a "compliment" but it's not as bad as everything else he's done. He's disgusting, and so is enabling him all these years. Enough is enough.

Kudos to the PA Weekly and Zoe Morgan for this investigative journalism.

I'm a child of PAUSD and a parent of PAUSD. Bill Giordano tried to groom me in junior high. He regularly asked me to chat after class, designed personal jokes with me, included me on special field trips to pick bands for school events. He successfully groomed many other girls, leaving them with PTSD that was only temporarily relieved by his arrest and conviction. Hawaiian shirts with white pants can bring up challenging memories for me...I can't imagine how these shirts fall for the girls who didn't get away. That said, Giordano wasn't violent, he was stealth. Colombo raping an 11-year-old girl and blaming it on Giordano is another level of sociopath.

We learned a few months ago that the in house attorney for the district was fired suddenly and without cause. Is this investigation the reason? Was the school district trying to avoid responsibility and an investigation?

I have been sober 34 years and have never seen [him] in a meeting, and he better hope I never do. Furthermore, even if he doesn't drink, that has nothing to do with whether he is abusive. Sobriety is not a cure for sexual harassment or abuse and people should stop equating them. AA treats alcoholism, not rape.

This is just another example of higher-ups protect sexual abusers until the flood gates open up.

It shouldn't matter what position a person has, whether it be a school administrator, a police officer, a district attorney, or even a judge. These people have an OBLIGATION to protect children in the community.

Sadly, I can attest that this doesn't always happen. Some administrators just prefer to throw other people's children under the bus rather than hold their colleagues and subordinates accountable.

It's good that Colombo is now clean but that doesn't negate the fact that he allegedly raped a schoolgirl. If guilty, that might be considered at his sentencing.

Unfortunately there's no public evidence (yet) that he's guilty. But the fact that the DA brought charges against him suggest they have some strong evidence. Many comments on this story here have already convicted him or exonerated him.

The real failing here is that PAUSD did not aggressively investigate each of these complaints when they arose. Even if Colombo is innocent, he should have been fired by PAUSD long ago for inappropriate and unprofessional behavior. He himself admitted this.

I think this story is well written and detailed but the graphics are a bit on the 1970's creepy side.

@Michelle Dauber
There are multiple places to attend AA meetings and because “the jerk” you refer doesn’t attend your meeting doesn’t mean he’s not, in fact, he attends meetings daily in his home city.
[Portion removed.]

I fail to see why the lack of other reports of rape make the charge a "false accusation". The CA statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases was lengthened to allow adult survivors who were unable to "tell" as children to come forward, but many still do not report assaults for many reasons. (Or maybe there is a "one free rape" understanding in this culture--you need multiple victims to prove he really did it?)
As for "he's just kidding around"/"everybody does it"--no, "everybody *doesn't.* Offering food to hungry students at school is one thing, inviting a single student home for pizza is quite another.

@RetiredPAUSDTeacher: Well said: "The press is not a courtroom, nor is this forum. Let the facts speak before you jump to conclusions."

You're "innocent until proven guilty" in a court of law. In the court of public opinion (which this is) you're only "innocent" if you didn't do it. I've read more than enough "facts" to form an opinion. As a child and parent of PAUSD, this makes me sick. Unless you're a sworn juror, you're entitled to an opinion. That's what commenting here is all about.

I was really disturbed by the number of people claiming to be Palo Altans defending this guy. Then I remembered how many of you supported Mike Airo, Mr. G, and even Brock Turner. There is a segment of this community that believes rape myths and blames victims. Mostly affluent, mostly older, mostly lawyers, mostly Stanford affiliated. Mostly wrong. Mostly jerks.

I went to Jordan Middle School 2006-2009. It was an open secret that he messed with a sixth grade girl at that time, and that he has a criminal record. It confused everyone on how he managed to still have employment at Jordan, but he was liked well enough by the guys who took PE seriously. He also kept saying how he used to teach math and he had debates with students on history, such as WWII. He always rubbed me the wrong way, even after he returned from an administrative leave for a year.

The only shocking thing is that it took PAUSD this long to actually get an investigation on him and for charges to be pressed. The amount of people defending him is very disappointing.

My kids had Mr. G, and they had Mr. C. Not impressed by their demeanor with the kids, and after my two boys went through Jordan, and I had a daughter, it’s pretty sad that I had to tell her to look out for pervy PE coaches since PAUSD was doing nothing to discipline and fire them. And like Michelle Dauber, I am astounded by the parents who defend these guys and victim shame. The bro network sticks together and defends their own. I was amazed by how little time Mr. G spent in prison. Clearly, Mr. C needed help that he was not getting, but keeping him on the payroll and allowing further interactions with children is beyond the pale.

I am not defending either of these two former teachers so please do not take this as such.

However, if a mistake has been made and somebody, anybody, gets accused of sexual assault, even if later found innocent, their life is ruined. Particularly in the age of internet, there is always an old article or an opinion somewhere that can be found by a future employer or similar. I think it is time that we remember that innocent until proven guilty is the way the law works and a court of law decides that, not as mentioned above, the court of public opinion. It is bad when someone who is later acquited has their life destroyed in this way.

@Jennifer, in my "opinion", the article is written in a way that implies the accused is guilty.

It’s not only PE teachers who are molesting students. I had a history/English teacher at my junior high school back in late 50’s or early 60’s who was doing it with a student (everyone knew about it) and he later went on to marry her after she finished high school so it validated our suspicions or outright knowledge. He had been carrying on with her for all those years and was married to boot.

It’s great that girls are feeling freer to report abuses but all too frequently it doesn’t result in the outcome it should.

After Mr. G’s sentencing, students in Paly’s student publication the Voice were still talking about how much they liked Mr. G. Some felt sorry for him for having
to do jail time.

I too am shocked at how many people are jumping in to defend this Colombo creep. The perp is just as capable of committing another rape whether he is
sober or intoxicated. One commenter even said that he thinks the fact that Colombo says he isn’t drinking any longer should be considered at his trial.

Like Ms Dauber, I am supremely disappointed at how many other creeps live in
my fair city.

@bystander: Colombo ruined his life when he got his first DUI. He’s been known among everyone at Jordan to be a troubling person. Just because he’s good at his job absolutely does not mean he gets to keep his job. I guess the past administration decided landing Paly’s baseball team into championships was more important than firing someone shady.

@JordanMom: the article does not imply anything. It merely states that Colombo has a rap sheet the length of a CVS receipt prior to being hired by PAUSD, and he’s continued being a rambunctious individual with too many people excusing his behavior. Ask anyone who’s attended Jordan in the 2000’s and they’ll confirm everything written in this article.

I'm also appalled by the number of Palo Altan's defending him, probably parents. All I care about is the kids. If defendants were really "innocent until proven guilty" would they be allowed to be jailed, sometimes without bail? You're innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, where the prosecution has the burden of proof. This isn't a court of law.

Yikes! If true, this is a shocking failure of the PAUSD. The district certainly didn't do its due diligence during the hiring process. If this was my child, I'd seek a maximum penalty AND THEN sue the district for as much in damages as can be levied. There is no money that can compensate that child.

Of course, if it's found to not be true, then this man will still be guilty in the eyes of others. Either way, this is a reason why fewer men (and women) have opted to pursue a career in education. It's already a difficult profession even before you weigh the dangers of being accused of a crime. Yes, this man could be guilty of what he's been accused. However, even a completely innocent person is damaged forever by such an accusation.

Personally, I'd prefer to withhold an opinion of guilt until the legal system has done its best at fair and impartial jurisprudence.

@Michele Dauber have you ever seen the documentary called "13th Step -a film by Monica Richardson"? It can be seen in full for free at youtube here > Web Link < No shortage of newcomers in AA who are often referred to as babies, newbies, pigeons, etc. All diminutive descriptors for people who are newly sober and extremely vulnerable. Low hanging fruit. I'm not surprised this guy is an AA cheerleader.

PS there are no "AA Counselors". If you mean "SPONSOR", Retired PAUSD Teacher, those are exactly some of the worst offenders who commit the 13th step on the regular.

One would hope that somewhere along the line in her 34 years of sobriety, Ms. Dauber would have come across the 11th Tradition of AA, which strongly encourages maintaining anonymity "at the level of press, radio, and film." One of the main ideas there was to keep egos in check. Not that they're in play here at all, really. (There's also a notion floating around AA that people are capable of change, that people can forgive and be forgiven, and that people can be redeemed from the depths of unspeakable suffering. Not that these are in play here either. Nothing to see here, move along.)

The man has been tried and found guilty by the "court of public opinion" here on the PA Town Square. Surely the gallows should be raised in front of city hall? Hardly a fair trial, but it is what it is. A sad spectacle in an allegedly progressive, thoughtful community....

It's Columbo who brought sobriety into public controversy not me. He's the one who had had "all these years of supposed recovery," and an apparently acquaintance here claimed he was an "AA Counselor" which is by the way not a thing. It's Columbo who decided to bring recovery into this in a way that brought sobriety into public controversy and a negative light; I can only imagine young women who have been assaulted or abused reading this bulls--- and thinking "If that's sobriety I want nothing to do with it." So thanks but no thanks save your lectures for the other bleeding Deacons on your soapbox. The ladies know exactly what I am saying.

If you’re a woman, and a mother, having observed Mr. C’s behavior, you would never want your daughter to be in a situation alone with him. His behavior was inappropriate on so many occasions, and he was always given a pass. He should’ve been fired.

Very complicated situation and account, but:
- I think my kids both had this teacher - thought was….semi-ok……
- I had one interaction (as an adult parent) with Giardano that appeared normal
- mention of not all criminal offenses are disqualifying for employment:
This brings to mind California’s charming efforts to prioritize criminal offenders over victims.
In some cities landlords cannot check/use criminal history of tenant applicants (I am horrified, I believe landlords’ attempts to have safe dwellings are now at risk, unaware female tenants are at risk)
AND employers under the Fair Chance Act are required to help applicants; a quick search shows SB-731 “was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom (in) 2022. The new law will automatically seal felony records for non-sex offender-related, non-violent offenses that meet (certain criteria)…(for convictions after January 1, 2005) The new law will expunge these records from public view and make them difficult for most employers to access during background checks.”
I believe female employees - naive to the clear risky workplace they may be in - are now especially placed at risk.
These things are complicated and schools MUST be especially careful to have a safe environment for students, teachers, staff.
New law(s) for elaborate rules, hiring procedures place burdens on police, school administrators/hiring officials (our politicians trying to help ex-felons with their employment and apartment searches) that will lead to omissions and mistakes.
I could care less about the ex-offenders: I DO care about the general public who are naive to the risk a nearby co-worker may pose, for example (under CA’s misguided priorities).
I hope to leave California as I oppose prioritizing criminals, felons, ex-offenders over children, women, vulnerable persons, whether at school, CA places of employment, or in rental housing. Ex-offenders may well re-offend.

Roger, I believe it was in the Retired PAUSD opinion that outed the accused as an "AA Counselor". Which, if you read your big book, you will find there are no AA Counselors. It would be interesting to know how Retired PAUSD came to use that particular term for him. Any old drunk can be an AA member. But you have to be really special if you're going to call yourself an "AA Counselor"? Unless he has a license as a drug and alcohol counselor, he's misstating his position. And if he DOES have a license, AA would be filing a cease and desist order because, among the traditions, Tradition 6 states: “An AA Group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the AA name to any related facility, or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.” You can insert "An AA member" where it says "An AA group."

Sadly, it's women (probably mom's) who are defending him. Why? I don't know anything about AA, but sober or not, what does that have to do with abusing young girls? He says himself he should've been fired in 2010. If you don't know a horse, look at its track record.

This article points out his criminal activity. If that makes him look guilty, whose fault is that?

As a woman and a mom, I DO know what Michele Dauber is saying. She's an advocate, and a darn good one.

Jennifer, many people hide behind the mantle of AA membership to smooth the rough edges of a sketchy past. But it being an "anonymous" program, and they are promoting themselves toward a higher reputation than they actually have by citing AA membership, AA's traditions say essentially 'don't use us as a human shield'. The funniest thing I ever saw was a Norm MacDonald stand-up bit about alcoholics. And now when I watch it, I put the accused's face on it and it seems even funnier. >Web Link

So now we are parsing sponsor over counselor. I own the wrong nomenclature. Sorry folks. That is all some weak people have: pin the "undereducated" on buzzwords because there is no substance to the "educated" argument. Great. Enjoy it and then wonder why your children can't stand to live. At the end of the day, why do this to a man unless you have all the facts. Hyperbole is great. Facts are better, but none of that counts when you are a crusader, right Michelle?

Why is Benavidez still the principal at Greene? How can he be so naive? His first email sounds more like he wants to be Columbo's buddy.

And, as always, Austin [portion removed] says, "there's nothing we can do".

There have been far too many teachers at PAUSD that have given similar creepy vibes that have either been caught and/or fired or still lurk on campus. Almost always, the female students can tell you exactly who they are. Publicly called out have been Airo, Giordano, Farrell and I know I'm missing at least one. [Portion removed.]

It's a top-down problem. Austin makes everything about him, so he tries to brush aside bad news instead of accepting responsibility. Sites are essentially encouraged to bury negative incidents. If they do, they are rewarded with promotions [portion removed.]

@Retired, he can file a slander suit if any lies have been published. But he admits so much himself, and convictions are public record, so nobody is shying away from the real matter at hand. There are enough AA "stars" out there and you can pore over the sites that have Speaker tapes that can be had for free. I'm sure he's out there. That's why I love the Richie K. story in Norm MacDonald's standup bit about AA. People tell stories in AA that will curl your hair. Despite the 2nd A in the name of the group, people do talk outside of meetings about what they hear there, to others who are NOT members of the club. Meanwhile, there are 30 years of criminal records that CAN'T be obtained by the average citizen, to determine if those citizens want their kids to be taught by a career criminal.

I hate rape and I love Title 9. I have been a consistent vocal critic of the school district every single time -- *countless* times -- that the district fails to address sexual assault and rape culture. I do not trust Don Austin to do one thing right to protect young women and girls. [Portion removed.]

Yes, Colombo used inappropriate language. But the complaints were from parents of boys, who were not victims of sexism. Both my daughter and my son had Colombo for PE at Greene fka Jordan, and yes, the language sometimes was bad, but they always felt safe. Bad language does not correlate with rape [portion removed.]

As to Colombo's criminal record, none of it involved violence, only drunkenness, and no crimes were committed at or near school. If we fired all recovered alcoholics, we would have far fewer teachers (and doctors, lawyers, etc). Recovered alcoholics can be exceptional at their jobs, even teaching.

[Portion removed.]

Thank you @ Rebecca Eisenberg for your thoughtful comments.
[Portion removed.]
Yes, Mr Colombo had a past, who doesn’t? Everyone commenting, is a saint?
He is not PC, (I didn’t read anywhere that his language was sexual) he aligns with the kids and their language to be “cool” and to relate, not to abuse and violate, that might be his downfall. But let’s be honest, do you think your kids haven’t used or heard this language elsewhere? As a parent this is where discussion, as to what is acceptable in your family. Sure it’s ok to report, but it’s important that your student is educated and understands these things happen outside their bubble and how they’ll deal with words that are offensive to them.
Mr Colombo is passionate about his teaching/coaching. As the article states he redirected a male student, by putting his hand mid back. This is not sexual, Why is this a problem? Palo Alto parents get real, your kids are soft, if they aren’t exposed to some of this type of banter and language they will have a difficult transition into the real world. It’s definitely worth a conversation with your child, but let’s face it, Palo Alto is not the real world. Your children are sheltered need some real life.
And yes, I have adult children that went through Jordan and Paly and were instructed by Mr Colombo.

"What an order! I can't go through with it." Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints." Some people stop right there because that sentence gives them a pass to allow them not to change anything except remove the alcohol. A drunken multiple offender, minus alcohol, is still a multiple offender. One thing is certain. In many cases where offenders blame their bad behavior on alcohol --(BOOZE MADE ME DO IT!) -- judges are lenient in sentencing and will give the offender a pass if they will go to mandatory AA meetings. If an offender is already claiming to be an AA Counselor, the judge might be inclined to see him as nothing but an opportunistic parasite. This particular person being referenced in the article has a 30 year history of "bad behavior", and if sobriety churns out people who are like that, I'm in agreement with Ms. Dauber. He sets a bad example. If AA's traditions say that their "public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion", any recovery advocacy on his part can be taken with a grain of salt. Unless this disclaimer is added: "Do as I say, not as I do".

It is unfortunate that Mr. Columbo’s involvement with AA was introduced into this article. The door that was opened has afforded anopportunity for people with no real knowledge of how AA works (other than a video referenced on this forum and a comedian’s disgraceful strand up routine about alcoholism). The very unfortunate result of all of this side chatter about alcoholics and criticism of AA is that suffering alcoholics out there that may have been thinking of trying to get some help will decide that AA is not for them without even trying it out. By extension, that individual may die some day from this disease and cause untold havoc in their own lives as well as in the lives of those who love them. Alcoholism is a terminal disease that can be put in permanent remission by removing the substance from one’s life. Unfortunately, most people require a spiritual program and some kind of support in order to achieve long-term sobriety. Reading so many negative things about twelve step recovery programs in this forum may severely reduce the chances of recovery for many people. If there is only one person who misses a chance to get sober because of all the misinformation that has been offered in this forum it would be heartbreaking.

Please consider that this article in a not a forum on AA. It is about Mr. Columbo and his behavior. Thanks to those that stick to the subject.

@PA volunteer, I for one do not have a "past" of being accused of raping a child, or of being inappropriate with children. No, not everyone has "a past" of that nature. And I wholeheartedly agree with Spectator that his drinking or lack thereof is irrelevant to the current accusations. And I am quite certain that the victim knew exactly who assaulted her by the time Columbo was charged. The idea that this was mistaken identity is anti-survivor, and reminds me of Susan Collins who famously said that Christine Ford was probably raped by someone other than Kavanaugh and she just didn't remember. I hope this survivor receives justice.

"One commenter even said that he thinks the fact that Colombo says he isn’t drinking any longer should be considered at his trial."

@Spectator If you're referring to my comment, that's not what I said at all. I said it *might* be considered at his sentencing. That's a statement of fact, not my intent. It's standard practice during sentencing to consider the defendant's current circumstances.

I'm not defending this guy at all. I'm just trying to stick the facts presented in the article. I would hope that any potential juror would keep that mindset. As @Bystander said, if someone is wrongly convicted, it will follow them forever and destroy their life.

We all know how the Court of Public Opinion works because we're all part of it right now. But that doesn't make it a good thing or even an acceptable thing. In my opinion, it's the internet equivalent of mob lynching.

A white man in a union possibly losing his job or being held criminally accountable after receiving appropriate due process not lynching. Nor is discussion of it. That is offensive and insulting to black people who have actually been lynched to make that comparison.

You don't see the "innocent until proven guilty" "court of public opinion" outrage when someone is facing burglary, etc. charges. Why the defense of an alleged child rapist? If someone is wrongfully accused of any crime it could ruin them, and that's why certain news organizations withhold names, including this one. You'll notice names are mentioned in this article for a reason. If you're more concerned about him than the young girl, I hope and pray you don't have any daughters. It's human nature to have an opinion, and I find it "acceptable."

Rather than debate and rebut and defend and judge, I’ll just say Colombo is many things and has flaws but HE IS MOST DEFINITELY not a rapist. It is really that simple and you will see soon that the DA messed up. Hope we don’t have two victims here. To the alleged victim, you need to be 100% certain and you are admittedly NOT!

Jennifer: I don't think you were asking me, but FYI: I do become outraged when someone is unfairly accused of burglary, etc. See, e.g., Web Link

“Yes, pimp is not an appropriate term, but it is used by students as a compliment, and Mr. Colombo mistakenly fed on that and learned his lesson.”

Is this appropriate in school? I don’t understand why people are defending inappropriate behavior. Let boys be boys is not acceptable. Coaches and teachers that boys are okay with and love that young women feel uncomfortable around MUST BE INVESTIGATED if a concrete allegation (rape, inappropriate touch, bad language) is made.

Why isn’t the District following through in investigations and reporting them? Why does the principle still have his job at Jordan?

Thank you Zoe Morgan for writing this piece. Without these kinds of articles, we would have no idea what goes on in the district and be able warn our children about it. I already talk thoroughly about body safety but will make sure I have conversations about all their teachers and coaches periodically.

This is a great reminder to parents. This happens in school and in activities. Let’s not forget the School of Rock guitar teacher that molested a child several years ago right in midtown. I am sure there are many more examples. Be vigilant with your kids!

Much of the back and forth above has to do with people's different experiences of this person. Too many seem to assume that if their child had no issues, therefore the victim couldn't have.

This is a non sequitur.

Sexual predators, gaslighters of all stripes and even emotional abusers who don't use physical force, get away with it by insinuating themselves into a group and are prepared to come across as congenial compared to the victim. When the victim complains about what they were subjected to, the perpetrator inflicts yet more harm by blaming the victim or invalidating them; the perpetrator gets away with it because they are "liked" (as Colombo made a point of talking up in his letter).

I cannot speak to the facts of the case but I believe the victim, especially since she has no incentive to come forward, and there was so much corroboration from the time.

"Current Superintendent...said in an interview that no one who had decision-making power over Colombo's employment at the time of his criminal convictions and credential suspension is still employed by the district, and he couldn't speak for them. However, Austin said that if the same series of events happened today, he would not let the teacher keep their job."

This is such a cop out. He's basically saying, those people left the district (almost certainly to other nearby districts), so therefore I/PAUSD bears no responsibility and can't do anything. What a crock. This is why our district is condemned to keep repeating its mistakes. Instead of reacting to a wrong by figuring out how to make it right, how to take responsibility, how to do the right thing for kids who have been harmed, our district culture is to sweep under the rug, cover up, push people out, avoid even dealing with the harmed kids or families. Then believe with all their shrunken shriveled hearts that if the situation came up again, THEN they'd do the right thing. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Silver Linings hit the nail on the head, "This is such a cop out. He's basically saying, those people left the district (almost certainly to other nearby districts), so therefore I/PAUSD bears no responsibility and can't do anything. What a crock. This is why our district is condemned to keep repeating its mistakes. Instead of reacting to a wrong by figuring out how to make it right, how to take responsibility, how to do the right thing for kids who have been harmed, our district culture is to sweep under the rug, cover up, push people out, avoid even dealing with the harmed kids or families. Then believe with all their shrunken shriveled hearts that if the situation came up again, THEN they'd do the right thing. Lather, rinse, repeat."

Austin is too cowardly to take responsibility or make changes for the future that will benefit the students.

It's amazing that the board can't see through his act, or maybe they don't care about students either.

there is a sense of betrayal here. you want to trust teachers/coaches and believe they represent the best of us.

Teachers/coaches use inappropriate language all the time. It's usually the adult trying to connect with the student by using the same words they youths use among themselves. I can forgive foul language. Drug use is so common these days, a run in with the law can sometimes be seen as an outlier instead of a pattern of behavior. The desire to trust and believe is strong. Sexual assault, though is not in the same category as foul language and drug use. It is unacceptable in any context and requires zero tolerance. Victims need to be believed, investigations need to be made, and if found guilty, columbo needs to be punished.

[Post removed.]

Spectator at large, I guess you only noticed the Norm MacDonald video (may he rest in peace) delivering irony by the plate-ful at that show. If you scroll through the comments many sober old-timers said it was hilarious if it's taken in the right context and if you have a sense of humor. The other link I provided was Web Link a documentary that recounts numerous 13th stepper horror stories, when "newbies" or "pigeons" or "babies" a.k.a. newcomers are often 13 stepped before even knowing what it is. This usually happens when a young vulnerable person goes to a group and is latched on by a "Counselor" -- no such thing, but there ARE sponsors. Nothing in the AA literature says you have to have a sponsor. Also, AA is not the only solution for sobriety. Many people can't get past "How It Works" that starts off every meeting, saying "Remember that we deal with alcohol—cunning, baf­fling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him now" -- quite preachy, and not everyone can get behind that. The only thing I know about AA is take what you need, and leave the rest as you walk out the door. I hope that Mr. Columbo finds strength in his "program". Every change, whether wanted or not, leads to a new opportunity.

@Jordan Student - well said!!! It's sad, but the district likes to hide issues. It's not only students getting hurt, but staff as well. I think former administrators should be prosecuted for allowing things like this to happen. It's all about who knows who and who helped who.

This story is appalling in so many ways. I wish the people involved could be held accountable in some way, even if they are long gone from the district. While Scott Bowers was so graciously defending Pete Columbo, he was also responsible, (along with the the Terman principal at that time) of bringing down an entire staff by removing the beloved secretary there [portion removed.] Yet, he was fine trying to get Pete Columbo reinstated...and it worked! I can only hope this comes back to haunt those involved. Stop defending this teacher and the others who enabled him and his behavior.

[Post removed.]

Retired PAUSD Teacher states direct knowledge of the gender of the student who was touched in 2021. While the article clearly states “they’re back.”

Retired PAUSD states on Feb 18, 2023 at 8:16 am: “As the article states he redirected a male student, by putting his hand mid back. This is not sexual, Why is this a problem?”

Adults on this thread, please act and step up to protect students from sexual predators.

Palo Alto has turned a blind eye to toxic male teacher behavior for too long.

The analogy used earlier in this thread of Mr. Colombo having a rap sheet as long as a CVS receipt is all too true. Colombo’s reputation is well known and it’s unfortunate it extends beyond his sexualized comments and inappropriate touching into sexual assault.

It only takes one rape to make a rapist. I hope this is the only case and there are not other victims. We are finally starting to see justice for victim’s of the early 2000s — too many cases but, justice for cases like Weinstein are increasing public attention.

Thank you Concerned Student. Weinstein is a perfect example of a person who could influence people's future and the victims had no voice because they were faced with too much to lose by telling the truth. The alleged victim in this case took 20 years to gather the strength to do it. I can't think of a single reason to allege something if it never happened, 20 years after the fact. The victim will still likely be grilled over this process even after so long. There's no purpose to it except to try to make your generation safer than the victim's generation was. It's an act of generosity and hope for future generations.

Everybody should see the movie "Bombshell", which is about how the FOX network's style of sexual harassment became a way of life, until one reporter just couldn't remain silent anymore.

How convenient for Superintendent Don Austin to say anyone related to hiring or keeping PE teacher Colombo is no longer at the PAUSD district. Ultimately doesn't the buck stop with Don Austin? PAUSD was getting complaints nonstop about PAUSD PE teacher Columbo in 2021-2022. Multiple emails to the principal Benavidez (that Don Austin hired) and so really you have the Principal Benavidez and Superintendent Don Austin working at PAUSD and fully aware of the complains.

Ironic Don Austin passes the buck. Is he ever responsible for anything other than "being a leader" in education (which he constantly touts and pats himself on the back with)?

Also why did the district not notify PAUSD parents and try to keep news like this under cover?

Student suicides at PAUSD? PAUSD parents not notified.
Teacher investigated? PAUSD parents not notified.
Teacher death during pandemic? PAUSD parents not notified.
Teacher arrested for grooming investigation or rape allgegations? PAUSD parents not notified.

Don Austin likes to do things by omission. Everything is top secret, especially things that should come to light.

Instead of sending out an email to parents to ask if there are any other reportable instances regarding PE Teacher Pete Colombo, it's all a secret. Hidden away.

@Palo Alto Res - You are exactly right. Most people don't see it. Those that stay up on what comes out of PAUSD are well aware. I think it was one of the reasons Shana Segal ran for school board. She doesn't trust him.

He always comes off publicly as though he cares about students and respects parents. Ask anyone who has brought an opposing opinion to him and you realize he only cares about his public perception. [Portion removed.] It's amazing he's lasted this long.

He will only bring up the positives, never accept blame for any of the negatives.

An incidental finding on zee interweebz reveals this: Web Link It's an agreement between the Office Of Civil Rights under HHS and PAUSD from 2017. Among the orders given to PAUSD is below:

"Tracking Reports and Complaints of Sexual Harassment
1. The District will develop an online system where students and parents can make anonymous reports of sexual harassment and sexual violence. To the extent possible based on anonymous reports, complaints will be processed consistent with Section A.2.e and A.2.f."

And this: "OCR will monitor this resolution agreement for a minimum of three years."

Sounds like any one of the affected students, faculty, parent, friend of a friend, etc can re-open the complaint by filing a new complaint referencing "OCR Case Nos. 09-13-5901 and 09-14-1217" We don't know all of the facts, as usual. This is about more than what the DA can charge the accused with. It's a violation of all people affected by PAUSD, and their civil rights under Title IX, and PAUSD's failure to keep up with their mandated responsibilities per OCR. Just because the case expired doesn't mean PAUSD could get back to "business as usual".