Sexual Harassment Complaint Sparks Change On County Board Of Education

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County Board of Education Member Bruce Dennis was removed this week from his position as the body's vice president after allegations of sexual harassment and professional misconduct.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the board ousted Dennis from his VP seat and replaced him with board member Elizabeth F. Romero.

The reorganization is effective through the remainder of the 2023-24 fiscal year that ends June 30.

The board also voted to form a three-member ad hoc committee to work with legal counsel and determine the next steps to censure Dennis. The findings will be discussed at the June 26 board meeting.

Dennis was absent during Tuesday's meeting.

The votes came after board secretary Sandra A. Martinez filed a uniform complaint against Dennis alleging he sexually harassed her and created a hostile and unprofessional work environment.

Martinez gave an impassioned public statement during Tuesday's meeting.

"I was subjected to this behavior for 13 years," she said. "An investigation has recently been concluded on my complaint and after interviewing 18 other people, all of the allegations I have made have been corroborated and determined to be true."

Martinez said the last 13 years "have been extremely taxing, exceptionally stressful."

She called it a "lonely and unnecessary journey," saying she understands why victims of bullying quit their jobs, abandon their seniority, give up medical benefits and surrender their financial livelihoods.

Martinez thanked all those who came forward on her behalf and she thanked Riverside County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez for his support.

Dennis serves Trustee Area 4, which includes Hemet USD, Menifee Union SD, Nuview Union SD, Perris SD, Perris Union High SD, and Romoland SD. He was reelected to the board seat in a landslide win during the March Presidential Primary Election.

Dennis was originally appointed to the Riverside County Board of Education in 2011 and subsequently reelected in 2012, 2016 and 2020. From 1995-2008, he served on the Nuview Union School District’s Board of Education. He is a retired U.S. Postal Service postmaster.

Romero represents Trustee Area 6, which includes the Coachella Valley USD, Desert Center USD, Desert Sands USD, Palm Springs USD (part) and Palo Verde USD.