Board meeting set as investigators close in on teacher misconduct probe
The Peoria Unified School District board will publicly address a recent police search at district headquarters during its Thursday night meeting, marking the first time trustees will confront questions about an investigation that involved two former teachers from Centennial High School. The search was connected to allegations that prompted administrative leave, resignations and a firing, and officials say the matter could affect preparations for the upcoming school year.
District leaders issued a statement last week saying the search could interfere with the district’s ability to prepare for students who return in August. The district also expressed its displeasure with the Peoria Police Department for carrying out the search at its administrative offices.
“The district was ‘disappointed’ in the Peoria Police Department,”
The police action related to an investigation into Angela Burlaka and Haley Beck, both formerly employed at Centennial High School. Beck was terminated by the district; Burlaka resigned while the probe continued. Authorities say both were accused of sexual conduct involving the same teenage boy.
As of Thursday, no arrests or formal charges had been announced. The case was forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review. Peoria police have not released details about the search warrant itself, including whether any materials were seized or if evidence has been provided to the county attorney.
Local implications and timing
The timing of the raid — during summer and weeks before the scheduled Aug. 3 start of school — has prompted concern among district staff and families about disruptions to administrative workflows, student services and staffing decisions. School districts typically finalize schedules, classroom assignments and safety plans over the summer; an active policing operation at district headquarters may slow or complicate those tasks.
- Personnel status: One former teacher fired, another resigned; both had been placed on administrative leave.
- Legal status: No arrests or charges announced; matter under review by Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
- Operational concerns: District warned the search could affect readiness for Aug. 3 school opening.
At issue for many parents and educators in Peoria is how the district will maintain transparency while respecting the integrity of an active criminal investigation. School boards balance public accountability with legal constraints; investigators similarly must avoid compromising evidence. The board meeting will give trustees a chance to explain what district officials know, what they do not know and how they plan to keep students and staff safe.
| Item | Current status |
|---|---|
| Teachers involved | Angela Burlaka (resigned), Haley Beck (fired) |
| Investigation | Peoria Police Department executed search warrant; details not released |
| Prosecution review | Under review by Maricopa County Attorney’s Office |
| School start | Aug. 3 |
Residents attending Thursday’s meeting can expect questions about how the district will safeguard records, communicate with families and ensure personnel actions are complete before students return. The community will be watching how the board navigates those demands while an outside law enforcement agency continues its inquiry.
Peoria police have not provided additional information to the public about the nature of the search or whether evidence has been transferred to the county attorney’s office. Trustees are likely to face pressure to be as forthcoming as confidentiality and ongoing legal review allow.
More details are expected after the board meeting, when district officials may update families on steps to minimize disruption and maintain safety at Centennial High and other campuses.
