Investigation continues into Patterson mayor’s alleged misconduct as teacher
Months after he was accused of misconduct as a teacher, the investigation into Patterson Mayor Dennis McCord remains ongoing.
McCord, who teaches math at Patterson High School, was placed on unpaid leave after being accused in October of inappropriately Snapchatting with a student.
The Patterson Joint Unified School District addressed the issue Monday night in closed session, but no updates were announced.
The Patterson Irrigator first reported Patterson High Principal Dave Smith contacted the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office after a parent brought forward the allegations. Snpachats obtained during the investigation through a search warrant showed an underage student sent McCord a photo of herself in a bikini, and he responded, “Wish I was there,” according to a police report.
Despite these findings, McCord told Smith he immediately deleted the image and blocked the student.
Investigators did not file charges against McCord, citing a lack of evidence. But the Patterson Joint Unified School Board is conducting its own investigation to determine whether McCord violated district policy.
Patterson Superintendent Philip Alfano said via email that McCord has been placed on unpaid leave while the investigation continues. The process could take up to seven months.
“While we are therefore unable to provide any additional comment at this time, please be assured that the District places the highest priority at all times on student well-being and safety,” Alfano wrote.
On the city side, not much has been done, frustrating Patterson residents who have been outspoken about their desire for McCord to step down or be recalled. No Patterson City Council member has spoken publicly about the issue.
McCord attended city council meetings Dec. 6 and 7, but missed meetings before and after these dates. At the Dec. 21 meeting, Patterson resident Kandace Weyhrauch said she hoped the council would at least address McCord’s absences.
Weyhrauch, a homeschooling mother who has spoken at several public meetings about her opposition toward McCord’s alleged behavior, says she believes the city could be doing more.
“After this, I’m just disappointed,” she said.
Neither Patterson’s municipal code or the council handbook specify the number of meetings council members must attend.
The council’s first meeting of this year on Jan. 4 was canceled.
A special City Council session regarding employee discipline, dismissal or release is scheduled for Tuesday night. There was no further information immediately available about the content of the meeting and who called it.
