YUHSD Governing Board votes to terminate Gila Ridge teacher

The Yuma Union High School District came to a unanimous decision Wednesday night. The district’s Governing Board voted to dismiss 32-year-old Gila Ridge High School teacher John Rodenburg.

The board cited Arizona statute A.R.S. 15-550 C. on their agenda, which calls for discussion and possible action to dismiss a teacher, if they fail to report to the school district that they have been arrested.

John Rodenburg was arrested Thursday and faces charges of kidnapping, custodial interference, and furnishing harmful items to a minor. Rodenburg’s previous charge of aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation has been dropped.

Rodenburg is no longer in custody at the Yuma County Detention Center after he posted a $200,000.

Before the district’s governing board met in private to discuss Rodenburg’s status, a parent whose daughter is in one of Rodenburg’s classes spoke out during the meeting, stating that it was too early for the district to reach a decision.

“With his classes being divided, the classes are already over 30 students per teacher,” stated Gila Ridge High School parent Nicole Troy. “Which, as a parent that’s kind of concerning because my child is not going to get the more individualized attention she may need witch such bigger classes. And he is certified in over 16 different subjects to be more flexible for these students. I think that speaks a lot for someone that’s taken that time to educate themselves so they can be more useful to the students.”

Yuma Union High School District Superintendent Toni Badone says John Rodenburg did not at all report to the school district that he had been arrested.

Rodenburg taught math and chemistry classes, coached cross country, and led other extracurricular activities. Badone says the district is focusing on filling the courses Rodenburg taught.