In a developing story out of the Coachella Valley, serious questions are being raised about how Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) handles whistleblowers—and what it may be trying to hide.
Steve Everson, who served as the district’s transportation manager, reportedly discovered that some bus drivers were inflating their time cards. Following district protocol, Everson brought the issue to the attention of higher-ups. Instead of being thanked or supported, he was placed on administrative leave—and soon after, fired.
While the district offered him the right to appeal through a formal hearing, sources close to the situation now say CVUSD is actively trying to avoid that process. According to those familiar with the matter, the district is pushing for a quiet settlement, fearing that public testimony during a hearing would “peel back the layers” of the organization and expose widespread problems beyond just timecard abuse.
Critics argue this is not just about one employee or one incident. “If the district is willing to retaliate against someone who did the right thing,” said one observer, “what else are they hiding?”
The case has sparked outrage among parents, staff, and community members demanding transparency and accountability. Advocates for whistleblower protections say Everson’s case illustrates a broken system—one where speaking out is punished, and misconduct is buried.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, many are calling for CVUSD to allow the...
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