A small group has taken the first steps in recalling Yuba City High School physical education teacher and Supervisor Jim Whiteaker.
The group approached the Sutter County clerk’s office about the recall process this week.
The Yuba City Unified School District has filed a statement of charges against Whiteaker in response to complaints he sexually assaulted and bullied students. He has denied all allegations. A state panel is investigating.
Whiteaker has continued to serve as the supervisor for District 4.
To remove him, a recall measure must be placed on the ballot. The process begins when 20 residents file papers to initiate the process, and then serve the subject with what is called a "Notice of Intention." The subject has seven days to reply.
"After that, that response and the initial complaint against the individual would be put together on a petition, so that the petition process of signature gathering would then commence," said county clerk Donna Johnston.
According to Johnston, the proponents would be required to submit the valid signatures of 2,303 registered voters before June 11.
"If they could get everything turned around … it's possible they could get it in November," Johnston said.
A vote by the Sutter County board of supervisors would be required to put the recall on the ballot. Johnston calls it a "procedural vote." County code says she would be able to set a date if the board failed to act.
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