Claremont Unified school board members called for the resignation of their president, Steven Llanusa, last week amid allegations that he exposed students to “half-naked men” and alcohol during a holiday party he hosted earlier this month.
“They were offered an open bar and to socialize with half-naked men, the ‘dirty Santa’ who made disgusting comments to our children,” one parent told CBS Los Angeles.
On Saturday, Llanusa resigned from the school board, according to an email sent to the district by Superintendent James Elsasser.
“In the very near future, we will discuss the next steps for filling this vacant position,” he wrote. “Thank you for your patience during this very difficult time.”
During a special board meeting on Friday, Dec. 9, parents of Claremont High School choir students said their children performed at Llanusa’s home on Saturday, Dec. 3 to raise money for the choir program. While in his home, according to the parents, they were exposed to scantily clad male dancers who were dressed as elves and a “dirty Santa,” and some were offered alcohol.
Both the Claremont Police Department and the school district have launched investigations into the board president’s allegations of misconduct.
Llanusa had served the school board since 2005.
“We are appalled by the allegations, which are understandably causing distraction, disruption and pain, as expressed in community members’ messages to the Board and Superintendent,” a statement from the CUST Board of Education reads.
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