A new allegation has surfaced regarding the proposed promotion of a Perris Union High School District employee that has been a source of controversy since last fall.
As reported here on Tuesday, the proposed promotion of lead custodian Anthony Stafford Jr. to plant manager at Paloma Valley High School was first questioned in November, with anonymous sources raising ethical concerns and accusations of nepotism. Stafford’s father, Anthony Stafford Sr., is on the school board and his mother, Stephanie Stafford, is a district employee and friend of a member of the panel. Critics questioned the performance of the interview panel as well as the qualifications of Stafford Jr., claiming he has been written up for violations.
Superintendent Dr. Jose Luis Araux pulled a proposal for Stafford’s promotion in November, stating that it was being returned to the administration for “processing.” But without further announcement, an item was placed on the agenda for today’s 5 p.m. PUHSD board meeting seeking approval for Stafford’s promotion to plant manager at Heritage High School instead.
Then today came another accusation from a source requesting anonymity for fear of retaliation by the district. This source said that the district used an outside entity to re-interview candidates for the Paloma Valley position and recommended current custodian Walter Smouse, a popular choice among Paloma Valley staff members who have contacted Menifee 24/7 as well as the school’s Custodian of the Year in 2023.
According to the source, the district rejected the group’s recommendation. However, they asked Smouse to serve as plant manager in the interim. When Smouse offered to do so if he were paid the plant manager differential, the district refused. Smouse then announced his retirement at the end of the school year.
Menifee 24/7 has been unable to reach Smouse for comment.
A previous source told Menifee 24/7 that the district plans to give Stafford the Heritage plant manager job and move Heritage’s plant manager over to Paloma. Neither Araux nor other district administrators have responded to two inquiries asking why Smouse’s recommendation at Paloma Valley was rejected and whether Stafford is proposed to move to Heritage to avoid conflict with critics at Paloma Valley.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before they slid Anthony Jr. into a plant manager position,” today’s source said. “It’s so wrong in so many ways. I feel it is more about getting Anthony Jr. in at any cost — even if that means screwing over one of your most dedicated and loyal employees.”
