Cordova High employee terminated over sexual harassment accusations

A man who worked as a campus monitor at Cordova High School for nearly 10 years and was accused of sexual harassment by multiple students will officially be terminated by the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. During its meeting Thursday, July 11, the FCUSD Board of Trustees voted to terminate the employment of Conrade Mayer following a lengthy and legally required process. According to a statement from school district officials, allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct against Mayer were brought to light in December 2023. Mayer was immediately placed on administrative leave and an independent investigation into the allegations was launched. Based on findings of the investigation, the district recommended in January 2024 that Mayer be terminated. Some of the many accusations against Mayer included inappropriate comments about female students' appearances, such as suggesting a student wear tighter clothes because she had "a nice body." According to court documents, students took their complaints to other campus monitors, who then brought the complaints to the attention of Cordova High Principal Amy Strawn. The case was referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings, where Independent Administrative Law Judge Sean Gavin conducted a hearing in February 2025. On April 28, 2025, the judge issued his decision that Mayer violated district policies of professional standards, positive school climate, sexual harassment, immoral conduct, discourteous treatment of students, unlawful sexual harassment, insubordination and violation of district policy. Throughout the investigation and hearing, Mayer adamantly denied the allegations and had many people in the community who supported him and spoke in his favor. In the end, the judge ruled the district had legal cause to terminate Mayer. "Respondent is a longtime employee of the District," Judge Gavin wrote. "It is evident that many students and their families have appreciated his efforts. However, the respondent has failed to take responsibility for his actions and continues to deny them. Under these circumstances, the District's determination that the respondent's conduct warrants termination is supported by the preponderance of evidence." FCUSD Chief Communications Officer Angela Griffin said normally the district does not comment publicly on personnel matters, but Mayer exercised his legal right to have his case conducted publicly. "We understand this has been a difficult and emotional situation for many in our community, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our students, families and staff throughout this process," said Griffin. "The district's highest priorities remain the safety, trust and wellbeing of our school community." The board reviewed all the findings and materials in detail and made its final decision about Mayer after significant deliberation, said Griffin. "We recognize that situations like this have an impact on our school community. Support services are available through Care Solace for any student, family or staff member in need," added Griffin. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and positive learning environment and to upholding the trust and integrity our community deserves." According to the hearing documents, Mayer was hired by the FCUSD in September 2013 and remained in that position until he was placed on administrative leave Dec. 11, 2023. He also led Cordova High's Mentees at Cordova High program (MACH), which provides mentoring and guidance to students and arranges community service projects off campus. In 2012, Mayer was named "Rancho Cordovan of the Year" by the Cordova Community Council.