Glendale Unified School District

GLENDALE, CA, February 19, 2026 –  Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) has engaged the law firm of Epstein Becker & Green (EBG) to conduct a comprehensive external investigation into past and recent allegations of misconduct involving former employees and an agency-contracted assistant, reaffirming the District’s commitment to student safety, accountability, and transparency.

Over the past two weeks, the District has responded to deeply upsetting allegations involving a former agency-contracted special education assistant, Joseph Vladimir Sanchez. In addition, a 2025 civil court ruling related to the District’s former Early Bird Preschool Program determined that misconduct occurred between 2012 and 2015 and found the District negligent in its supervision and retention practices at that time. The District settled that case with the family in fall 2025.

“Our highest responsibility is ensuring that every student is safe at school,” said GUSD Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson. “We recognize the pain and concern expressed by our families and staff. We are committed to examining our past actions, strengthening our safeguards, and taking meaningful steps forward.”

External Investigation

In December 2025, in response to the civil court ruling, the GUSD Board of Education directed staff to initiate a comprehensive and holistic review of the District’s child protection policies, programs, and protocols.

During the Board of Education meeting on January 7, 2026, the GUSD Board retained the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green (EBG) to conduct an external investigation into abuse allegations involving the Early Bird Preschool Program and to assess any shortcomings in District processes and protocols identified through the civil court proceedings.

Following the new allegations of sexual abuse by a former agency-contracted special education assistant, on February 17, 2026, the Board unanimously voted to expand EBG’s scope of work to include those recent allegations. The Glendale Police Department is leading the active criminal investigation, and the District is continuing to cooperate fully with law enforcement throughout this process.

The external review will be conducted by trained, trauma-informed investigators from EBG’s Los Angeles office. The firm has extensive experience conducting workplace and school investigations nationwide.

The investigation will:

• Review allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior involving students connected to the Early Bird program;
• Review allegations concerning Joseph Vladimir Sanchez;
• Examine the District’s policies, procedures, supervision practices, and training protocols; and
• Provide recommendations to strengthen student safeguards moving forward.

Community Reporting Encouraged

The District encourages anyone with information related to sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior involving the Early Bird program or Joseph Vladimir Sanchez to contact EBG at GUSDInvestigation@ebglaw.com. All communication with investigators will be treated with sensitivity, and identifying information will not be made public without authorization except as required by law.

Individuals with information related specifically to the criminal investigation of Joseph Vladimir Sanchez are encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department Assaults Bureau at 818-548-3106.

“We understand that information alone does not address the emotions many families are experiencing,” Dr. Watson said. “We are committed to engaging directly with our community as we continue this important work. Protecting the safety, welfare, and health of students remains the District’s highest priority. Through this independent investigation and policy review, GUSD aims to better understand what occurred, support any student who may have been harmed, and strengthen safeguards to protect all students now and in the future. Our commitment to the safety and well-being of every student remains unwavering,” Dr. Watson said.

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