Jamie Lander : “Chandler Schools Seek New Principal Amid ‘Gilbert Goon’ Lawsuits”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Chandler school leadership
2. Chandler school administration

The Chandler Unified School District is seeking to replace Riggs Elementary Principal Jamie Lander, who is involved in legal filings related to the “Gilbert Goons.” Despite being listed for renewal in the 2024-25 school year, applications are now being accepted for her position. Lander has been on leave since mid-February and faces allegations of negligence in supervising her stepson, who was part of the group accused of assaults. A $6 million claim against the district includes Lander’s name, alleging failure to prevent the attacks. Chandler is cracking down on such incidents, showing a proactive response to the situation.

Chandler Unified School District Seeks Replacement for Principal Jamie Lander

The Chandler Unified School District is currently in the process of looking for a new principal for Riggs Elementary, as it appears that current Principal Jamie Lander may be replaced. Lander has been named in three civil legal filings related to the infamous “Gilbert Goons”, a group known for their violent attacks in the Gilbert area.

Initially, the district’s governing board had approved an administrator renewal list for the 2024-25 school year, which included Lander’s name as the principal of Riggs Elementary. However, the district has now opened applications for the principal position at Riggs Elementary, located in Gilbert. The application period is open until April 15, with a listed salary of $93,844.

Despite these developments, a district spokesperson has refrained from commenting on Lander’s current employment status, citing the district’s policy of not discussing personnel matters. Lander herself has not responded to requests for comment and has been on leave from her position as principal since mid-February.

Legal Claims Against Jamie Lander

An investigation by The Arizona Republic revealed the activities of the Gilbert Goons, a group responsible for a series of violent assaults dating back to at least 2022. The group was also linked to the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord at a Halloween party in Queen Creek.

Lander, along with her husband and stepson, were named in a lawsuit filed by Richard Kuehner against several young people identified as Goons and their parents. The lawsuit alleged that the Goons had assaulted unsuspecting victims, recorded the attacks, and shared them on social media. It also accused parents of negligent supervision.

In connection with an attack on Kuehner’s son at a Gilbert In-N-Out Burger, Lander’s stepson was arrested by Gilbert police on suspicion of assault and robbery. However, prosecutors later dropped the case against him. Lander, her husband, and stepson were also named in a lawsuit related to a May 2023 attack on a 17-year-old in a Mesa park.

A $6 million notice of claim sent in February concerning the attack on Kuehner’s son also named Lander. The claim alleged that Chandler Unified officials had been warned about the threats against Kuehner’s son but failed to take action, leading to his withdrawal from Perry High School.

Response to ‘Goons’ Attacks

In response to the activities of the Gilbert Goons, Chandler has announced measures to crack down on the use of brass knuckles and unruly parties in the area.

For further information, reach out to the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.