Students Say Academy Mistreats Teachers

High school students at Pasadena’s Westridge School walked out of classes Friday, protesting what they said was the administration’ hostile treatment of some teachers.

Instead of returning to classes after lunch, students at the private girls school marched onto Orange Grove Boulevard with signs reading “No Lies” and “We Want Answers.”

The students said many teachers have left the school in recent years because the administration does not tolerate faculty dissent.

Students said more than 100 girls walked out and that many classes were canceled.

Fran Norris Scoble, head of the school, said about 60 girls took part and all classes proceeded as scheduled.

Westridge has 400 students in grades four through 12.

More than 50 teachers have left Westridge since Scoble’s arrival in 1991. Scoble said many teachers left for personal reasons, such as to attend graduate school or switch careers. Teacher turnover was comparable in the previous administration, she said.

Scoble said that some teachers quit “because of internal politics.” She said that although “teachers leave for many reasons, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work hard to make this the kind of place where people want to stay.”

The protesting students remained on Orange Grove Boulevard until school ended at 2:45 p.m.

Students said they hope to meet with the school’s board of trustees. Scoble said the students will receive unexcused absences for missing classes Friday.