Voters Have Clear Choice - Conservative Reform Trustees or Liberal Union Candidates
Jul 03, 2010 Filed in: Elections
One by
one,
Fran Sdao of the
teacher union’s so called “Children First"
coalition and member of the South County Democratic
Club introduced the five candidates they are endorsing
in their effort to take over control of the CUSD Board
of Trustees in the November General Election. They
include a failed Democratic Nominee for a State Senate
seat who ran with widespread union support on a
platform calling for same sex marriage, increased
rights to abortion and higher taxes; an 18 year old kid
that just graduated from high school 35 days before he
filed papers seeking to be elected; and an outspoken
supporter and apologist for CUSD’s indicted former
Superintendent James Fleming. Read
More...
|
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Tells It Like It Is: Teachers Unions Are the Real Bullies, Waging the Politics of Raw Power
Jun 05, 2010 Filed in: Unions
This is one
of the most truthful four minute speeches you will ever
see a prominent American politician give. NJ Gov. Chris
Christie makes an important point: Fiscal conservatives
and education reform advocates appreciate, respect, and
cherish the work that the vast majority of public
schoolteachers do. Educating future generations is an
admirable pursuit that should be applauded. But
teachers unions seek to manipulate the system in the
interest of wielding power over taxpayers, school
boards, parents, and students, all in the name of
enriching themselves at the expense of others. This IS
the struggle CUSD constituents face as the CUSD
teachers union continues its dishonest, selfish war
against our popularly elected Reform Trustees.
Christie: Students Trapped By "Selfish, Greedy" & "Disgraceful" Teacher Unions
Jun 02, 2010 Filed in: Unions
Union-Backed Recall Activists Selfishly Seek To Recall Two Popular CUSD Reform Trustees!
May 14, 2010 Filed in: Union-Backed
Recall
• OC Register Condemns Union’s Unjust Recall
Campaign!
• California Republican Assembly Opposes Union Recall Effort!
• OC Republican Party Condemns Union Recall Effort!
• CUSD Reform Trustees Reject Union’s Unsustainable Demands!
• Voters Must SAY NO to the union’s selfish political agenda!
WARNING!
The powerful public employee unions have commenced an orchestrated, multi-pronged attack against the seven Reform Trustees serving on the CUSD Board of Trustees. This attack is designed to undermine your Reform Trustees and all the progress they’ve made to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to the 9th largest school district in California. This is their plan:
FIRST, in the middle of the nation’s worst economic crisis since the great depression, with the State of California buckling under the weight of unprecedented budget deficits that have crippled the ability of local cities and school districts to provide basic services to their constituents:
• 2,200 Teachers Union members in Capistrano Unified abandoned their students and walked out on strike…and
• The powerful teachers union is backing a ballot initiative that would take away from every CUSD voter 6 of their 7 votes -- by allowing each voter to only vote in one Trustee District rather than “at large” for all seven Trustees.
DAYS LATER, the Teachers Union and other public employee unions were marching on Sacramento demanding that legislators increase your taxes!
TODAY, union-backed activists turned in petition signatures seeking to recall and remove from office two of your popular and highly-successful Reform Trustees!
Read More...
• California Republican Assembly Opposes Union Recall Effort!
• OC Republican Party Condemns Union Recall Effort!
• CUSD Reform Trustees Reject Union’s Unsustainable Demands!
• Voters Must SAY NO to the union’s selfish political agenda!
WARNING!
The powerful public employee unions have commenced an orchestrated, multi-pronged attack against the seven Reform Trustees serving on the CUSD Board of Trustees. This attack is designed to undermine your Reform Trustees and all the progress they’ve made to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to the 9th largest school district in California. This is their plan:
FIRST, in the middle of the nation’s worst economic crisis since the great depression, with the State of California buckling under the weight of unprecedented budget deficits that have crippled the ability of local cities and school districts to provide basic services to their constituents:
• 2,200 Teachers Union members in Capistrano Unified abandoned their students and walked out on strike…and
• The powerful teachers union is backing a ballot initiative that would take away from every CUSD voter 6 of their 7 votes -- by allowing each voter to only vote in one Trustee District rather than “at large” for all seven Trustees.
DAYS LATER, the Teachers Union and other public employee unions were marching on Sacramento demanding that legislators increase your taxes!
TODAY, union-backed activists turned in petition signatures seeking to recall and remove from office two of your popular and highly-successful Reform Trustees!
Read More...
SVUSD teachers union accepts 9.7% pay cut without striking -- SVUSD board owes CUSD trustees thanks for setting example
May 10, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Union-Backed
Recall
READ the OC Register Story
The SVUSD school Board owes a big "thank you" to the Capistrano Unified Board members that refused to give in to the unreasonable demands of the local teachers union, the California Teachers Association and even the National Education Association. The CUSD Board held firm and finally these selfish Union leaders gave up their unreasonable demands and ended their strike WITHOUT OBTAINING ANY MEANINGFUL CONCESSIONS FROM THE BOARD. Had the CUSD Board caved in to the union pressure -- you can bet that unions up and down the state would all be on strike now!
Take a look at the major negotiating points in CUSD over the past year -- the Board held firm every time, and the union was forced to capitulate: Read More...
Reform Trustees were right ... had duty to stand up to union strikers' unreasonable demands
•
Unions have no legal responsibility for the
solvency of the district; their duty is to their dues
paying members.
• The School Board has full accountability for the solvency of the district and must take whatever action is necessary to meet its legal responsibilities and protect the students and taxpayers.
• The School Board has full accountability for the solvency of the district and must take whatever action is necessary to meet its legal responsibilities and protect the students and taxpayers.
A Word About Strikes — An Editorial
By: Ron Bennett
Copyright © 2010 School Services of California,
Inc.
Volume 30
For Publication Date: May 2010
No. 10
Over the past few weeks, we have seen media attention
drawn toward the collective bargaining process,
particularly when there has been a unilateral contract
imposition by management or a strike by labor. In my
opinion, we are likely to see a few—maybe quite a
few—similar situations evolving over the next several
months. I would like to offer some opinions on how to
think about these situations and how to either avoid
them or handle them
appropriately.
Union Capitulates -- Strike Over!
Apr 27, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Unions
Radio Commentators John & Ken:
• Interview CUSD Trustee Ken Lopez-Maddox
• Analyze the Reform Board's Great Victory
Union leaders last night finally gave up their unreasonable demand that the contract cuts imposed by the Reform Board would expire automatically on a date certain. Unfortunately, they only did so after 2,200 teachers union members had abandoned their students and walked out on strike for three school days. Congratulations to the Reform Board for this great victory and for standing up for the students, parents and taxpayers of CUSD!
LISTEN HERE:
JOHN & KEN ANNOUNCE THAT TEACHERS UNION CAPITULATED -- STRIKE OVER! With Nation Watching, Reform Board Scores Huge Victory for the Students and Taxpayers.
"So the ten percent decrease sticks for the next three years and it's unlikely they're going to get any of the money back, which means the class sizes will remain the same, no teachers will be laid off … But what really matters is that logic won, mathematics won … what we kept saying all last week or two, 'When you're out of money, you're out of money,' and finally the union had to accept that."
"It did show you what the teachers are about, though. You've got to keep repeating this to the end of time. Teachers, when they're in their union, when their in their union context, are not nice. They don't love kids, they don't care about the kids. They love themselves, they love their money and they love their benefits. They love their union group think. There are very few rebels in the union … very few. Eighty-seven percent of the teachers voted to strike. Eighty-seven percent gave the middle finger to the students for three days. And so eventually they settled for what? For exactly the deal they had … a 10% cut."
-- John & Ken, KFI AM-640, April 27, 2010
Read More...
Unions Seeking to Raise Your Taxes – by 40 Billion Dollars!
Apr 27, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Unions
• Union Marchers Demand 40 Billion in Tax Increases!
• OC Register Condemns Unions' Demands for Tax Increases!
• CUSD Reform Trustees Reject Union’s Unsustainable Demands!
• Voters Must SAY NO to the union’s selfish political agenda!
WARNING!
First, in the middle of the nation’s worst economic crisis since the great depression, with the State of California buckling under the weight of unprecedented budget deficits that have crippled the ability of local cities and school districts to provide basic services to their constituents, 2,200 Teachers Union members in Capistrano Unified abandoned their students and walked out on strike…
NOW, the Teachers Union and other public employee unions are marching on Sacramento demanding that legislators increase your taxes!
Union Marchers Demand 40 Billion in Tax Increases!
The public employee-union backed marchers arrived at the Capitol this week after 48 days on the road from Bakersfield, and Thursday presented lawmakers with their state budget recommendations -- $40 billion in tax increases.
READ the Sacramento Bee News Report
Read More...
• OC Register Condemns Unions' Demands for Tax Increases!
• CUSD Reform Trustees Reject Union’s Unsustainable Demands!
• Voters Must SAY NO to the union’s selfish political agenda!
WARNING!
First, in the middle of the nation’s worst economic crisis since the great depression, with the State of California buckling under the weight of unprecedented budget deficits that have crippled the ability of local cities and school districts to provide basic services to their constituents, 2,200 Teachers Union members in Capistrano Unified abandoned their students and walked out on strike…
NOW, the Teachers Union and other public employee unions are marching on Sacramento demanding that legislators increase your taxes!
Union Marchers Demand 40 Billion in Tax Increases!
The public employee-union backed marchers arrived at the Capitol this week after 48 days on the road from Bakersfield, and Thursday presented lawmakers with their state budget recommendations -- $40 billion in tax increases.
READ the Sacramento Bee News Report
Read More...
Media Coverage of the CUSD Teacher Union Strike
Apr 24, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Unions
KFI Radio Condemns Teacher Union Strike in
CUSD
• Radio Commentators Bill Handel and John & Ken All Get It!
• CUSD Union Strike Is Just Politics
• Ground Zero for national campaign by Unions to grab more money, power and influence -- at the expense of the taxpayers!
LISTEN HERE:
“Ground
Zero for the future of
California”
John & Ken Interview our Chairman, Tony Beall, Committee to Reform CUSD -- April 23, 2010
This strike is not about the union contract. It is all about politics -- the union's desire to take over control of the board in November. The California Teachers Union has made CUSD a test case -- ground zero for the future of California. If the union loses here in CUSD again, they know other districts from across California and beyond will follow the lead of the Reform Trustees in CUSD. That is why the union has brought in the big guns from the CTA. That is why the union has for the past two years commenced a multi-pronged attack against the Reform Board. The union is:
1. Backing an initiative for the Nov 2010 ballot to take 6 of 7 votes away from every CUSD voter;
2. Backing the unjust recall campaign to remove two Reform Trustees;
3. Preparing to run a slate of five pro-union candidates in the November election; and
4. Striking in the middle of the current school year to further destabilize the district and cause "organized chaos" in an effort to turn voters against the Board.
Read More...
• Radio Commentators Bill Handel and John & Ken All Get It!
• CUSD Union Strike Is Just Politics
• Ground Zero for national campaign by Unions to grab more money, power and influence -- at the expense of the taxpayers!
LISTEN HERE:
John & Ken Interview our Chairman, Tony Beall, Committee to Reform CUSD -- April 23, 2010
This strike is not about the union contract. It is all about politics -- the union's desire to take over control of the board in November. The California Teachers Union has made CUSD a test case -- ground zero for the future of California. If the union loses here in CUSD again, they know other districts from across California and beyond will follow the lead of the Reform Trustees in CUSD. That is why the union has brought in the big guns from the CTA. That is why the union has for the past two years commenced a multi-pronged attack against the Reform Board. The union is:
1. Backing an initiative for the Nov 2010 ballot to take 6 of 7 votes away from every CUSD voter;
2. Backing the unjust recall campaign to remove two Reform Trustees;
3. Preparing to run a slate of five pro-union candidates in the November election; and
4. Striking in the middle of the current school year to further destabilize the district and cause "organized chaos" in an effort to turn voters against the Board.
Read More...
CUSD Superintendent: Saddened That Planned Student Walk Out Is Based on Misperceptions and Misinformation
Contrary to union claims, Superintendent also confirms Reform Board's decision regarding CUEA negotiations substantially compromised its original pre-impasse proposal with fact finder's recommendation.
Letter to Parents re Planned K - 12 Student Walk Out
By Dr. Roberta Mahler, Interim Superintendent, CUSD
Dear Parents,
During the last week you may have read one or more e-mails advocating for a "K - 12 Student Walk-out" to take place on April 13 as a symbolic gesture of support for the teachers' union position regarding labor negotiations. It is of significant concern to hear that students would be held out of school on a regularly scheduled and staffed school day in order to address adult issues. Read More...
URGENT UPDATE: Capistrano Unified Budget Crisis
CUSD Reform Trustees Successfully Finalize Union
Contract Terms
• Class Sizes Will NOT Be Increased
• Dozens of Teachers' Jobs Saved
• But Union Leader Threatens to Strike
Your Elected Reform Trustees:
• Were Forced to Cut $25 Million from Last Year's Budget
• Must Cut $34 Million More This Year
• Voted to Save Dozens of Teachers' Jobs
• Voted to Preserve Smallest Possible Class Sizes
Union Leaders:
• Are Now Threatening to Strike
• Want Board to Lay Off Hundreds of Young, Talented, Energetic Teachers
• Want Board to Increase Class Sizes
• Want to Preserve Higher Salaries/Benefits for Most Senior Members at the Expense of the Students, Young Teachers and Taxpayers of CUSD!
LOOK: Photo of Teachers Union Pres. Vicki Soderberg
who wants more money for her most senior members…
...even if it hurts our children and younger teachers!
• Class Sizes Will NOT Be Increased
• Dozens of Teachers' Jobs Saved
• But Union Leader Threatens to Strike
Your Elected Reform Trustees:
• Were Forced to Cut $25 Million from Last Year's Budget
• Must Cut $34 Million More This Year
• Voted to Save Dozens of Teachers' Jobs
• Voted to Preserve Smallest Possible Class Sizes
Union Leaders:
• Are Now Threatening to Strike
• Want Board to Lay Off Hundreds of Young, Talented, Energetic Teachers
• Want Board to Increase Class Sizes
• Want to Preserve Higher Salaries/Benefits for Most Senior Members at the Expense of the Students, Young Teachers and Taxpayers of CUSD!
LOOK: Photo of Teachers Union Pres. Vicki Soderberg
who wants more money for her most senior members…
...even if it hurts our children and younger teachers!
The
Capistrano Unified School Board is facing a crisis.
They are being forced to cut $34 million from the
2010-2011 budget...which is especially painful because
the Board members were forced to cut $25 million from
this year’s budget.
Our school district was ill-prepared to deal with the
State’s current budget crisis because former
Superintendent James Fleming (now indicted for multiple
felonies and awaiting trial) and his seven “old guard”
trustees had engaged in years of gross fiscal
mismanagement (e.g. massive deficit spending on an
annual basis, failure to maintain adequate reserves,
construction of a luxurious $52 million Administration
Building).
URGENT UPDATE TO CUSD COMMUNITY: Reform Trustees Protect Teachers' Jobs & Refuse To Increase Class Sizes
An open letter to the community by the CUSD Reform
Trustees
Dear CUSD Community,
The Capistrano Unified School District (CUEA) and
Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA), which
represents certificated employees including teachers,
have been involved in contract negotiations since June
2009. The Board of Trustees and negotiating teams
have worked continuously, up to this point, through
this process. Specific information regarding the
negotiations process can be found on the district’s
website at www.capousd.org.
We
now find ourselves at a time of year when some of our
most important work with students lies before us.
Trustees have reflected on where we are, what lies
before us, and feel it is in the best interest of our
district to move forward with finalizing the
negotiations process.
At its meeting on Wednesday, March 31, the Board of
Education will consider the adoption of a resolution to
unilaterally implement limited
provisions from
its pre-impasse proposal which:
•
Maintain class size
•
Preserve teachers’ jobs
•
Provide a balance of temporary & ongoing financial
savings
• Recognize
concerns of the CUEA bargaining team
The advisory recommendations included within the
fact-finding report were utilized to modify the
provisions of the pre-impasse proposal as outlined
below:
Teacher total compensation in Capistrano is among the highest compared to other unified school districts in Orange County
Mar 29, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Unions
• A teacher’s career earnings are much higher in Capistrano Unified
By CUSD FACT CHECKS, Information on Issues Relating to Labor Negotiations and District Finances
The best way to evaluate the competitiveness of Capistrano Unified School District is to calculate employees’ total compensation. Salaries alone don’t give a true comparison. Health benefits are a crucial element of the total compensation package for any employee. Some school districts have higher salaries, but make their employees pay more out-of-pocket costs for their health benefits. When you add salary and benefits together, CUSD ranks among the top in total compensation among unified school districts in Orange County. Capistrano ranks well above the regional and statewide averages in total compensation according to the most recent data available from the state.
The minimum teacher salary in Capistrano is $48,899. The maximum teacher salary is $98,931. An average teacher salary is $81,845. These figures do not include health benefits or any stipends/extra duty pay teachers often receive for being coaches, mentors, or handling special assignments.
At $61,773 in total compensation, beginning teachers in CUSD are the 3rd highest paid among unified districts in Orange County. Mid-career teachers earn $86,350 and are the 5th highest paid. Veteran teachers at the top of the pay scale are the 4th highest paid earning $109,905 including benefits for their 185-day work year.
See CUSD FACT CHECKS Fact Sheet comparing total compensation, health benefits and lifetime earnings of CUSD teachers to other Orange County school districts.
Rumor That CUSD Teachers Have Not Received Raises Is False
Mar 29, 2010 Filed in: Teacher
Salaries |
Unions
Below are the documented CUSD/CUEA contract settlement amounts over 9 of the past 10 years (information for the 2004-05 contract was not available) pursuant to which CUSD teachers received aggregate raises of 32.5%. In accordance with the teachers’ salary schedule:
• Every July, each teacher gets a "step raise" of 3.5% every year for 11 years and then every 5 years until 23 years of service, and then raises if negotiated (COLA); and
• As each teacher gains education credits, he/she gets "column raises" until a masters degree is earned. Read More...
Class Size: How Large Is Too Large? An Essay By the CUSD Recall Committee
Once class sizes are increased and programs are lost, they don't come back. How many students in a classroom are too many students: 36, 40, 50 or 100?
The line in the sand has been drawn and you MUST decide which side you will stand on. Your kids, our kids, want you to stand on their side.
The choice is yours… Read More...
Reform Trustees Save CUSD $5.5 Million Dollars - Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Brought By CUSD's Disgraced Former Supt. Carter
Read OC Register Article
Read Carter's Termination Report
The Trustees obviously did the right thing when they fired this corrupt and greedy educrat. It really makes us wonder why Erin Kutnick's pro-union "Children First" group, as well as hundreds of union members, fought so hard to protect Carter from being fired. Why did they fight so hard to protect Carter when the facts so clearly showed he'd been caught "red handed" trying to rip off the school district by inserting a golden parachute severance clause into his own employment contract without board approval? Read More...
Television Premiere of Not as Good as You Think: The Myth of the Middle Class School
Mar 12, 2010 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption
Click Here to WATCH THE TRAILER in HD or
Click Here to WATCH THE TRAILER on YouTube
Please join us in watching the television premiere of PRI’s Not as Good as You Think: The Myth of the Middle Class School tonight, at 8:30pm Pacific Time.
"Not As Good As You Think: The Myth of the Middle Class School" is a groundbreaking documentary that shatters the myth that "good" schools located in "nice" neighborhoods are shielded from the education crisis that pervades schools in poor, urban areas. The CUSD Recall Committee’s successful five year campaign to bring badly needed reform to the Capistrano Unified School District is prominently featured in this movie -- as an example of just how badly broken the American public school system can be in one of the country’s most affluent areas…and how tremendous improvements and reforms can be achieved by dedicated, vigilant citizen action and oversight. Read More...
OC GOP Urge All Voters Not to Sign Union-Backed Recall Petition
"County Party Urges All Voters Not to Sign Recall Petitions"
IRVINE, CA - The Republican Party of Orange County Central Committee unanimously approved the following resolution yesterday pertaining to the new recall campaign which is being promoted by public employee unions and their allies against Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Ken Lopez-Maddox and Mike Winsten.
URGENCY RESOLUTION
OPPOSING THE RECALL OF CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES LOPEZ-MADDOX & WINSTEN Whereas, in 2008 the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee proudly endorsed for election to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Ken Lopez-Maddox and Mike Winsten; Read More...
WARNING: Public Employee Unions Have Commenced A Multi-Pronged Attack Against the C.U.S.D. Board Members
Feb 15, 2010 Filed in: Union-Backed
Recall |
Unions
Tony Beall delivered this inspiring speech to the OC Republican Party Central Committee on February 15, 2010, warning that powerful union leaders from across the state and nation had commenced an orchestrated, multi-pronged attack on the seven conservative Republicans serving on the CUSD Board of Trustees.
Thank you Chairman Baugh. I greatly appreciate your strong leadership and the opportunity to address the Central Committee tonight. Last month, you spoke eloquently about the many abuses we have seen with public employee unions throughout our nation and state. You spoke of the need for our country to engage in a Second American Revolution to combat the insatiable and unsustainable union appetite for scarce taxpayer dollars. I agree with you 100%. Tonight, I’m here to ring alarm bells. I’m here to tell you that one of the great battles of this Second American Revolution has already begun – right here in our own backyard.
Powerful union leaders have commenced an orchestrated, multi-pronged attack on the seven republicans serving on the CUSD Board of Trustees (each of whom was endorsed by the OC GOP).
Let me provide a bit of background. Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee Featured at U.S. Capitol Film Debut
Dec 03, 2009 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption
"Not As Good As You Think: The Myth of the Middle Class School" is a groundbreaking documentary that shatters the myth that "good" schools located in "nice" neighborhoods are shielded from the education crisis that pervades schools in poor, urban areas. The CUSD Recall Committee’s successful five year campaign to bring badly needed reform to the Capistrano Unified School District is prominently featured in this movie -- as an example of just how badly broken the American public school system can be in one of the country’s most affluent areas…and how tremendous improvements and reforms can be achieved by dedicated, vigilant citizen action and oversight.
READ OC Register Story
READ the Official Invitation
WATCH the Trailer in HD
Union Politics Are Hurting Our Children
Oct 26, 2009 Filed in: Unions
| Teacher
Salaries
• What Parents Need to Understand About the CUSD Budget Cuts and Collective Bargaining
An open letter to the community from CUSD parent and child advocate Dawn Urbanek
As a parent of a student in CUSD, who has attended most of the CUSD Board Meetings and Budget Workshops over the past two years, I felt compelled to write this letter. Not every parent has time to attend meetings and workshops. Those of us who do need to start sharing our knowledge with other parents to truly reflect what we as parents feel “is in the best interest of our children.”
I was really angry, and disgusted, to see teachers at my child’s school standing outside the campus Friday morning… wearing black… handing out flyers. The flyers were asking parents to contact Ellen Addonizio, the President of the Capistrano School Board, and tell her to start working with teachers during contract negotiations in a "reasonable and responsible way.".
What happened Friday was a staged event by the CUEA (Capistrano Unified Education Association) -- the teachers union. Read More...
"Kids First"? Hardly. The true colors of a union leader
Albert Shanker, former AFT President
Next time you hear that tired old union baloney about putting “Kids First,” remember what the late Albert Shanker, former American Federation of Teachers president, once said:
“When school kids start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of school children.” Albert Shanker, The OC Register
This helps to explain the “Kids First” hypocrisy we continue to experience from union leaders, including those at CUSD, where many of their own rank and file have been influenced to ignore or deny the truth about dishonest special interest union politics.
Thanks for the brutal honesty, Albert. You’re a peach. We couldn’t have said it better.
URGENT UPDATE: Capistrano Unified Budget Crisis
Mar 27, 2009 Filed in: Budget
| Teacher
Salaries
UNION LEADERS ARE HURTING OUR CHILDREN!
Teachers
Union President Vicki Soderberg wants
more
money for CUSD union members…even if it hurts our
children
Your Elected Reform Trustees:
• Must Cut $25 Million from Budget
• Want to Save Every Teacher’s Job
• Want to Preserve Smallest Possible Class Sizes
Union Leaders and Senior Administrators:
• Are Refusing Across the Board Pay Cuts
• Want Board to Lay off Hundreds of Young, Talented, Energetic Teachers
• Want Board to Increase Class Sizes
• Want to Preserve High Salaries and Benefits for Themselves at the Expense of the Students, Young Teachers and Taxpayers of CUSD!
The Capistrano Unified School Board is facing a crisis. They must cut approximately $25 million from the 2009-2010 budget…especially painful because they were forced to cut millions from this year’s budget.
Our school district was ill-prepared to deal with the State’s current budget crisis because former Superintendent James Fleming (now indicted for multiple felonies and awaiting trial on April 7th) and his seven “old guard” trustees (Sheila Benecke, Marlene Draper, John Casabianca, Shelia Henness, Duane Stiff, Mike Darnold and Crystal Kochendorfer) had engaged in years of gross fiscal mismanagement (e.g. massive deficit spending on an annual basis, failure to establish and maintain adequate reserves). Read More...
Your Elected Reform Trustees:
• Must Cut $25 Million from Budget
• Want to Save Every Teacher’s Job
• Want to Preserve Smallest Possible Class Sizes
Union Leaders and Senior Administrators:
• Are Refusing Across the Board Pay Cuts
• Want Board to Lay off Hundreds of Young, Talented, Energetic Teachers
• Want Board to Increase Class Sizes
• Want to Preserve High Salaries and Benefits for Themselves at the Expense of the Students, Young Teachers and Taxpayers of CUSD!
The Capistrano Unified School Board is facing a crisis. They must cut approximately $25 million from the 2009-2010 budget…especially painful because they were forced to cut millions from this year’s budget.
Our school district was ill-prepared to deal with the State’s current budget crisis because former Superintendent James Fleming (now indicted for multiple felonies and awaiting trial on April 7th) and his seven “old guard” trustees (Sheila Benecke, Marlene Draper, John Casabianca, Shelia Henness, Duane Stiff, Mike Darnold and Crystal Kochendorfer) had engaged in years of gross fiscal mismanagement (e.g. massive deficit spending on an annual basis, failure to establish and maintain adequate reserves). Read More...
District Administrators Propose Covering Massive Budget Deficit on the Backs of our Children, Families and Taxpayers...Again
Mar 24, 2009 Filed in: Budget
| Teacher
Salaries
With the economy flagging and thousands loosing their jobs, highly paid CUSD administrators (check it out here) and union leaders are rejecting modest, across-the-board pay cuts -- a sensible solution supported by reform trustees that could preserve desperately needed education programs, smaller class sizes and protect overburdened taxpayers.
Instead, administrators are proposing another assault on the remaining 15% of the budget, which is precious little to cover current classroom needs already cut to the bone. Apparently, this is fine with administrators, union leaders and tax-hike advocates who continue to ignore the "85%" elephant in the room that is crushing the educational needs of the children to death.
See the OC Register story.
Report Confirms Superintendent Carter Was Insubordinate and Guilty of Numerous Illegal and Other Improper Acts
Mar 20, 2009 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Superintendents
See OC Register story, official CUSD news release and official report on the board's decision on termination of Carter's employment.
Trustees Fire Superintendent Carter!
Mar 10, 2009 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Superintendents
See OC Register story.
New OC Register Column: Public School System Doesn't Need More Money - Its "Bankrupt Culture" Needs Reform and Common Sense.
Mar 09, 2009 Filed in: Budget
| Culture of
Corruption
Click here to read Ms. Star's column.
New Report Shows California Teachers Are Highest-Paid in the Nation...Yet the Teachers Union Wants Billions More.
Mar 08, 2009 Filed in: Budget
| Teacher
Salaries
Click here to read the OC Register editorial.
New Report Confirms Woodrow Carter Engaged in Serious Misconduct While at CUSD
Mar 03, 2009 Filed in: Superintendents
Click here to read the incredible story.
Trustee Bryson Confirms Board Had Valid, Well-Documented Causes To Remove Carter
Jan 30, 2009 Filed in: Superintendents
Bryson, the lone dissenter on the school board's 6-1 vote to put Carter on leave, defended her colleagues, saying there were multiple, documented reasons that led to Carter's leave of absence. Trustees say they can't disclose those reasons because of employee privacy laws.
“I think various trustees had circumstances which were valid," Bryson said. "They are pretty practical people and I have to give them their credit on accepting what occurred in some instances. It's pretty well documented."
Read More...
CUSD’s New Battle: The Voters’ Elected Representatives vs. CUSD’s Entrenched Special Interests
Jan 12, 2009 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Special
Interests | Superintendents
There is a new battle being waged in our school district…and it is every bit as dangerous as the battle voters just won when they removed the last of the corrupt Fleming era trustees from office.
The voters of South Orange County have spoken…clearly and unmistakably -- for the third election in a row. Voters in CUSD have rejected the corrupt status quo and elected seven reform trustees by landslide margins. Voters have given you a mandate for positive reform in CUSD.
In my remarks to this Board just one month ago, on the night the newly-elected board members were sworn in, I stated:
“With the removal of the last Old Guard Trustee, one battle is over…But no one should misunderstand – the fight is far from over. Many who directly profit from CUSD’s multi-million dollar budget are continuing their efforts to frustrate and rollback the reforms you are striving to implement…”
Read More...
The truth about Woodrow Carter's past failures
If all you heard were the impassioned gushing over Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) by employees and a few parents incited by union boss Vicki Soderberg, and their equally impassioned and vile attacks against our new trustees, you would think Carter should be beatified and the trustees condemned to the fiery pits of hell.
Well here are some other facts and points of view that Carter, Soderberg and their bully mob would prefer not discussed. And these are just few examples. Others can be viewed by clicking here.
Schools' exec stirs outrage
By Julie Kay/Staff Writer, The Reporter (Vacaville, CA), December 1, 2006
The superintendent of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School district is under fire for having displayed to 85 district administrators an image of a 'Ladies Swiss Army Knife' containing attachments including a tampon and a phallus-like vibrator.
A flyer being circulated shows the Swiss Army-like knife on one side and cites on the other side the California Education Code which says a permanent employee can be dismissed for 'immoral or unprofessional conduct.' Read More...
CUSD Trustee Ken Maddox addresses board's decision to place superintendent on administrative leave
"Last Tuesday, the Board of Trustees voted to place the Superintendent on administrative leave. It was not a decision arrived at easily. Regrettably, the Board is prohibited by law from sharing the details of our closed session discussion.
Our faculty and staff are expected to provide a quality education despite this recent action. I have every confidence in our CUSD personnel.
I will do my best to dispel any rumors and keep the pubic informed as we move forward. Yesterday, I met with the PTA to discuss the superintendent issue and anticipated budgetary shortfalls. It was a lively and candid discussion." Read More...
CUSD Board of Trustees Releases Publc Statement Regarding Superintendent A. Woodrow Carter
As previously reported, the Board of Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District, at its meeting on January 6, 2009, took action to place Superintendent, A. Woodrow Carter, on paid administrative leave. The District and several members of the Board of Trustees have received questions as to why this action was taken.
The Board of Trustees is committed to making employment decisions based on the best interests of the students and community that it serves. However, such decisions inevitably involve issues relating to how public employees are performing their responsibilities. While the public’s interest in such matters is well understood, it is also the case that California law establishes a right of privacy in favor of the employee with respect to their job performance, and makes confidential the Board’s deliberations with respect to such matters. The employee’s right of privacy derives from the State Constitution, as well as other statutory provisions and case law. Accordingly, and out of respect for the Superintendent’s privacy rights, as well as the confidentiality associated with the Board’s deliberations, the Board cannot comment on or respond to questions concerning its decision to place the Superintendent on paid leave. The District and the Board will share further information at the appropriate time and in compliance with the law.
CONTACT:
Julie Hatchel
Chief Communications Officer
(949) 234-9427
jhatchel@capousd.org
New trustees exercise leadership and take action to restore order in our broken school district.
Jan 06, 2009 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Public
Statements | Special
Interests | Superintendents
When reformers commenced the first recall in early 2005, CUSD was a school district in crisis. Years of financial mismanagement by the Old Guard trustees and administration created serial deficits and the resulting budget cuts caused severe overcrowding, unhealthy and substandard facilities and massive cuts to educational programs.
These problems were exposed by years of parent complaints and investigations by the Orange County Register and other sources. This not only revealed the severity of the problems, but more importantly, the primary causes. The policies of the district, its leadership and management were found lacking, especially when compared to other school districts.
The Old Guard leadership irresponsibly spent nearly three quarters of a billion dollars on facilities and untold millions more for other purposes without a master plan or budget. To add insult to injury, much of this was knowingly done in violation of numerous laws and regulations. The tragic results were covered up through years of propaganda that misinformed the public by distorting and concealing sources, amounts and uses of funds, conditions of facilities and finances, inequitable spending priorities, prudent alternatives, etc.
Then there were the incessant denials and endless self-adulation by the Old Guard board and staff, coupled with their continuing attacks against their detractors (often illegally through the use of district resources), no matter how egregious or self-evident their offenses.
These are just a few examples of the Old Guard’s notorious “Culture of Corruption,” all arrogantly and dishonestly promoted to inculcate the district's tired, hypocritical mantra, “Kids First.” Read More...
Holiday fun with Woody, Marlene, Sheila, Mikey and the Stiffler...
Dec 25, 2008 Filed in: Humor
...and Woody's right where we've come to appreciate him the most - smack dab in the middle of more Old Guard mischief-making!
Oh m'gosh…they’e back! Former CUSD Trustees Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke have been elfed…again! And this time, former Trustees Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff, and Superintendent Woodrow Carter have joined them in the holiday fun.
Marlene and Sheila were booted in a humiliating landslide recall last June, the Stiffler went down hard in the November election and, with no more Old Guard buddies to play with, Mikey quit. Woody has been implicated in numerous old guard wrongdoings and some brand new ones of his own. But none of this has dampened their holiday spirits - or their notorious, tricky moves - as these party animals have been hitting the holiday party circuit.
They may have been a disaster for the district, but in the spirit of the holidays, and just for grins, let's all join Woody and the Old Guard Mischiefmakers for some hoppin' holiday fun:
Woody & the Old Guard Mischiefmakers
in "Forest Elves"
Woody & the Old Guard Mischiefmakers
in "Charleston Elves"
Woody & the Old Guard Mischiefmakers
in "Hoedown Elves"
Woody & the Old Guard Mischiefmakers
in "Disco Elves"
Was Capo superintendent supposed to be fired? Whether he was or not, he should be now.
But their dishonest threats and bullying tactics have harmed the district and could backfire on them.
Spt. Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter), was scheduled to undergo a performance review yesterday, but now faces an uphill battle after he joined union boss Vicki Soderberg in a dishonest and disgraceful preemptive strike against the new board by attacking them, playing the victim card and inciting possibly the worst example of mob behavior in CUSD history.
The special board meeting had been noticed as a "performance evaluation" for Carter with possible disciplinary action or termination of an unidentified "public employee." No allegations or charges were disclosed and no action was taken.
Carter delivered a speech before the trustees went into closed session. The speech obviously was written in large part by Carter's labor counsel and was designed to intimidate and influence the new board's decisions by inciting confusion over the facts and the process, undeserved sympathy for Carter and groundless, hysterical outrage against the new board - all coordinated with the support of an unruly mob rallied by union boss Vicki Soderberg. Read More...
Recall committee leader Tony Beall: "Congratulations on your impressive election victories…and Best Wishes for tremendous success."
Dec 08, 2008 Filed in: Elected
Officials | Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 4Q08 | Special
Interests
Tony Beall Rancho Santa Margarita Councilman and
CUSD Recall Committee Leader
Parents and Taxpayers -- in CUSD and all across America – want to believe and trust that their children, and their educations – are being properly taken care of by their school district leaders.
Over the past five years, that belief has been shattered.
The people have spoken…clearly and unmistakably -- for the third election in a row -- and they’ve given you a mandate for positive reform in CUSD.
The old guard did not go quietly... They fought to the bitter end to retain their stranglehold on the people of CUSD -- and upon our school district’s massive annual budget. Read More...
Recall committee leader Jennifer Beall: “I’m not at all surprised by the election outcome. I heard the people for years and I knew what they wanted.”
Dec 08, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 4Q08
Public comments following the swearing in of the reform trustees at the December 8, 2008 special meeting of the CUSD Board of Trustees
Jennifer Beall CUSD Recall Committee Leader
I’m Jennifer Beall and I’m not sure I’ll be able to wipe the smile off my face tonight.
This has been a long time coming. I’m proud to know all of you and to call all of you a friend. Thank you so much for standing up there, taking the oath of office, and doing the right thing for the students of Capistrano Unified.
I am always going to remember the road we took to get here -- and I hope you do too.
Read More...
Recall committee leader Michelle Russell: "The people have spoken. It’s time for positive change."
Dec 08, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 4Q08
Michelle Russell CUSD Recall Committee Volunteer
Hello, President Addonizio and Trustees. My name is Michelle Russell.
I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate the new trustees: Sue Palazzo, Mike Winsten, Ken Maddox, and Jack Brick, and remind you that with great power comes great responsibility in the case of the reform agenda.
Please, after five years of hard work on recalls and elections, the people made it clear they want positive changes, and that’s what is needed.
This is your opportunity, with a clear majority, to finally effectuate positive change. I was proud to have fought for you these past five years in the campaigns that led to this amazing moment. Read More...
Recall committee leader Tom Russell: "This is a momentous occasion and we...finally can declare victory, and the beginning of a new era of positive reforms at CUSD."
Public comments following the swearing in of the reform trustees at the December 8, 2008 special meeting of the CUSD Board of Trustees
Tom Russell CUSD Recall Committee Chairman and Spokesperson
Congratulations to the trustees. Wow…what a difference five years makes. Who could have imagined that ALL seven board seats would be replaced with reform trustees.
This is a momentous occasion and we at the CUSD Recall Committee finally can declare victory, and the beginning of a new era of positive reforms at CUSD.
You ran on a platform of academic excellence, first-rate classrooms…smaller classrooms.
Every parent has a reasonable expectation of safe and sanitary classrooms for his children. Every child has a reasonable expectation of having his own desk and adequate classroom supplies. Read More...
Candidate Mike Winsten offers sensible solutions to improve transparency and restore public trust in their school district
Oct 26, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 4Q08
Mike Winsten addresses parent concerns over the lack of transparency at CUSD and proposes solutions for the benefit of parents and taxpayers
Winsten is the reform candidate for CUSD Trustee Area 3
CUSD can do a lot to improve its transparency. Here are just a few of the ideas I have:
Constituents Bill of Rights Draft and adopt a Constituents Bill of Rights requiring the Administration to pledge to conduct themselves openly, neutrally and transparently, by setting standards of conduct and ethics that are greater than current state law, but in fact raise the bar to the highest standards of openness, honesty, integrity and accountability;
Conflict of Interest Code Draft and adopt a more stringent Conflict of Interest Code that sets standards far greater than the sham standards set by state law, that ensures there are no more cozy hidden relationships involving sole source contracts for years and decades, between CUSD vendors and Administrators, like we have heard about in the recent past; Read More...
Candidate Mike Winsten explains a key element of his reform platform: "Spend our tax dollars equitably throughout CUSD."
Oct 18, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 4Q08
"Please vote for me and I will help lead CUSD forward while making sure every school site is treated equally. I will not quietly tolerate one school site being treated more equally than others due to shadow politics and favoritism. Thank you for taking the time to make an educated vote for our public schools."
Mike Winsten, an attorney and independent businessman, is the reform candidate for CUSD Trustee Area 3, which covers most of San Clemente. His opponent, Duane Stiff, is one of the two remaining, old guard, Fleming-era trustees.
As noted in my candidate statement on file with the Registrar of Voters and in the sample Ballot Statements recently mailed by the Registrar of Voters, a key element of my platform is ensuring that CUSD spends our tax dollars equitably throughout CUSD, and stop taking money dedicated for one community to spend on unfair projects in another community. For instance, recent audits by the City Councils of Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita established that under the old Board, there existed a long standing pattern of education money flowing out of these cities into other CUSD cities, while many of the school facilities in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita suffered from overcrowding and lack of maintenance for far too long. Similarly, Mello Roos funds that should have been spent on new or upgraded school facilities in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and San Clemente, were instead spent on the obscenely oversized and underutilized new Administration Building, that white elephant overlooking the 5 freeway in San Juan Capistrano, while school facilities where those Mello Roos dollars were collected, are suffering. My opponent enabled these practices with a series of ‘yes’ votes, without ever dissenting against this imprudent spending of your money.
To correct the inequitable treatment of the past, the CUSD Board of Trustees needs to focus itself and the Administration on the following priorities, and must ensure that the Superintendent and Administrative Staff faithfully follow and implement these policies: Read More...
CFAC condemns Old Guard Trustees with "Darkness Award," branding them as foes of free speech and open government
Oct 17, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Open Meetings
Law
Tomorrow, the California First Amendment Coalition, a freedom of press group, will present its annual Darkness Award to three recipients, including the CUSD Board of Trustees, in recognition of "conduct that thwarts freedom of speech and the public's right to know." The award follows the release of an OC District Attorney's report condemning the CUSD Old Guard trustees for their "disturbing disdain, if not outright contempt" for district residents. The same report praised the CUSD reform trustees for their commitment to end such disgraceful practices at CUSD.
Here is an excerpt from The California First Amendment Coalition's official blog:
The California First Amendment Coalition has named the 2008 recipients of its “Darkness Award,” given in recognition of conduct that thwarts freedom of speech and the public’s right to know. The awards, to be presented Saturday, October 18 at UC Berkeley, are given to:
-- The Capistrano Unified School Board, which was so indifferent to anti-secrecy laws that the Orange County District Attorney issued a public report outlining the board’s many violations of the Ralph M. Brown public meetings law. In a follow-up inquiry, the District Attorney found further violations and concluded that the board had proven itself “incapable or unwilling” of complying with the law. Read More...
Teachers Union Running Massive, Illegal, Deceptive Campaign
• Union Leadership and Candidates are Illegally
Coordinating Campaign Efforts
•
Union Trying to Buy the Election with $72,797.49 Spent
So Far
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The Teachers Union PAC is
the largest special interest group involved in the CUSD
local school board races -- and they are trying to buy
the election using deceptive and illegal tactics. To
date, the Teachers Union PAC has already spent
$72,297.49 on behalf of candidates
Duane Stiff, Erin Kutnick and Andrea Kooiman!
Here is a link to the California Secretary of State’s
website disclosing the Teachers Union PAC filings:
http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1043314&view=electronic&session=2007
Illegal and Deceptive Tactics.
The Teachers
Union PAC, as well as the three candidates they are
supporting for School Board, have engaged in illegal
and deceptive campaign practices, including without
limitation the following:
Community member alleges Carter failures at CUSD
Privacy laws restrict our new trustees from openly discussing personnel matters involving public employees. This restricts them from discussing specific allegations or charges, if any, against Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter). The law is clear and Carter knows it. He has taken the same position as the board in the past.
Despite this, Carter and his new booster-in-chief, union boss Vicki Soderberg, have done nothing to properly inform disrespectful and unruly district employees about the law or attempted to bridle their disruptive behavior. Instead, Carter and Soderberg have stood by and watched, and even encouraged ignorant or mean-spirited employees to intimidate the board with their mob-like behavior.
With Carter's job on the line and Soderberg fearing for her union gravy train after betraying reformers in the last two elections, they are intentionally destabilizing the district in a power struggle to control the board, the legitimate governing body of the district, and preserve the dominance of a power-hungry administration that hasn’t respected the legitimate chain of command since the early days of the Fleming administration. Hopefully, the board will remain strong and keep their promises to the voters by setting this upside-down situation, right.
In the meantime, the board may not be talking, but that hasn’t stopped community members from weighing in on the subject. Here is one community member’s list of Top Ten reasons why Carter should be dismissed: Read More...
Republicans Rally Behind CUSD Reform Slate Candidates
Sep 22, 2008 Filed in: Endorsements
| Reform
Campaign 4Q08
Brick, Maddox, Palazzo & Winsten Score Key
Endorsements for November Election
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Each of the most prominent
Republican Party organizations have officially
endorsed
Jack Brick, Ken Maddox, Sue Palazzo and Mike
Winsten,
the four reform candidates running for seats on board
of trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District
in the upcoming
November 4th general election. The
endorsements were unanimous and came from the most
prominent Republican Party organizations, including:
•
The California Republican Assembly Link
• The Republican Party of Orange County
Link
• The Orange County Young Republicans
Link
Brick, Maddox, Palazzo and Winsten are also endorsed by the
CUSD Recall Committee.
Brick,
Maddox, Palazzo & Winsten each bring a wide spectrum
of impressive personal and professional talents that
will make them uniquely qualified and ready to serve as
CUSD Trustees once elected in November. They possess
qualities and experience the “old guard” Trustees
clearly lack.
Scathing D.A. Report Confirms Continuing Illegal Acts At CUSD
Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) and Old Guard Trustees Implicated
Recently-elected Reform Trustees Praised For Exposing the Ongoing Corruption
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. The Orange County District Attorney has issued a new stinging report dated September 2, 2008 – the fourth such report in a little over a year – detailing the results of their on-going investigation of the Capistrano Unified School District for numerous Brown Act violations and other illegal acts. The scathing report confirms that Trustees Duane Stiff, Mike Darnold, Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke – four trustees who served for years with the now indicted former Superintendent James Fleming – continued to engage in illegal behavior despite repeated rebukes by the District Attorney. The report also condemns numerous actions taken (and not taken) by current CUSD Superintendent A. Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) – the acting CUSD Superintendent during the entire period of time covered by the latest D.A. Report.
See copies of:
District Attorney’s reports, dated:
October 9, 2007, February 28, 2008, March 13, 2008, May 12, 2008 and September 2, 2008
Joint Statements by ABC Reform Trustees, dated:
October 19, 2007, February 10, 2008 and March 27, 2008
CUSD Recall Committee press releases, dated:
October 9, 2007, May 9, 2008, May 27, 2008 and September 9, 2008 Read More...
Disgraced Marlene Draper spouted utter contempt for the voters she represented
The OC Register published this excerpt from a report by the OC District Attorney, dated September 2, 2008. Draper's statement was quoted from a February 25th closed session board meeting to discuss a permanent employment contract for Superintendent Carter. Draper's comment was in response to reform trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen, who argued that a proposed $58,000-a-year raise was too high in light of the district's pending fiscal crisis. Their point was that such excesses were not in the best interests of the "them" in question...the constituents of CUSD. The District Attorney took issue with Draper's insulting, wrong-headed remark, concluding the report by mocking Draper with the obvious truth: "It is all about them."
OC Register calls CUSD Recall win "stunning," "overwhelming" and says voters did the right thing at the ballot box
Jun 27, 2008 Filed in: Endorsements
| Reform
Campaign 2Q08
An Orange County Register editorial
Perhaps now, finally, the tumult at the Capistrano Unified School District can die down, following a stunning and overwhelming recall this week of two of the school board's holdouts from the bad old days. Longtime Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper were tossed out of office by overwhelming majorities, with about 70 percent of voters agreeing to recall both members. Ms. Benecke was replaced by former Assemblyman Ken Maddox, and Ms. Draper was replaced by teacher Sue Palazzo.
The two new board members’ three reform-oriented colleagues won their seats in November 2006. The reform crowd holds a 5-2 majority. It has taken three years and enormous time, money and effort to gain control of a board that was previously known for its consistent unanimous votes and its unyielding support for a powerful former superintendent – James Fleming, who faces criminal charges in August related to his compilation of an "enemies list" of district parents who had supported a previous recall attempt. Read More...
CUSD Recall wins by a landslide, marking the historic end of the Fleming era at CUSD
Jun 26, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 2Q08
CUSD Recall Committee thanks all who supported reform at CUSD
Tom Russell, Spokesperson
CUSD Recall Committee
To All Friends of Reform at CUSD,
Last Tuesday’s special election was a remarkable event. Seventy percent of South Orange County voters spoke loudly and clearly: “YES” on CUSD Recall, marking the historic end of the Fleming-era at CUSD.
The CUSD Recall Committee is grateful to the many of the volunteers, donors, elected officials, community organizations, voters and others, without whose support, none of this would have been possible. We can all share in the pride of knowing we took a stand for the betterment of education for the children of South Orange County.
Trustees-elect Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox will be sworn in next Tuesday, July 1st, at 6:00 p.m., at which time the board, currently led by old guard trustee Mike Darnold, will be reorganized. We hope all persons of good will come to witness this historic event.
Finally, please read the following editorial from the June 26th edition of the Orange County Register. It captures the spirit of accomplishment and the future hope of CUSD Recall.
Sincerely,
Tom Russell
Spokesperson
CUSD Recall Committee
cusdrecall@cox.net
* * *
Read More...Important Notice to Voters from Sue Palazzo & Ken Maddox
Jun 22, 2008 Filed in: Public
Statements | Reform
Campaign 2Q08
From the Desk of Sue Palazzo & Ken Maddox:
Please vote 'YES' on CUSD Recall - June 24th
To Our Friends and Supporters:
The June 24th Special Election Day is fast approaching! We urge you to “Vote Yes” on the CUSD Recall.
The targets in this recall election (Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke) must be removed from office now.
According to the District Attorney, CUSD shifted resources away from students to create an unlawful list of political “enemies.” The criminal prosecution, dishonesty and misuse of funds have caused many of our school facilities to fall into disrepair.
The two of us, Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, are committed to providing the students the best education possible. We come from different backgrounds – but we each are dedicated to restoring honesty, integrity and accountability to our public school system. Our children all currently attend, or have previously graduated from, CUSD public schools. Read More...
Important Notice to Voters from State Assemblymember Todd Spitzer
Robocall message delivered to South OC residents by
Todd Spitzer, Assemblymember, 71st Assembly District
Hello, this is Todd Spitzer – your California State Assemblymember. Education is my top priority - I care deeply about our kids. I have children in our public school system as well. That’s why I'm urging you to Vote Yes on the CUSD Recall – Tuesday, June 24th.
We need to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to our troubled school district. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 24th.
Vote Yes to recall the incumbents, AND in their place,
Elect Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, two highly qualified reform candidates.
If you vote by mail, please return your completed ballot Today.
Thank you.
Todd Spitzer
California Assemblymember
71st Assembly District
The CUSD Recall Committee is grateful to the numerous elected officials, community leaders and prominent community organizations who have supported or endorsed the CUSD Recall, reform candidate Sue Palazzo and/or reform candidate Ken Maddox, including:
• State Senator, Dick Ackerman
• State Senator, Mark Wyland
• State Senator, Dennis Hollingsworth
• State Assemblymember Chuck Devore
• State Assemblymember Todd Spitzer
• State Assemblymember Audra Strickland
• State Assemblymember Mimi Walters
• State Board of Equalization Member, Michelle Steel
• CUSD Trustee, Ellen Addonizio
• CUSD Trustee, Anna Bryson
• CUSD Trustee, Larry Christensen
• Aliso Viejo Mayor, Carmen Cave
• Dana Point Councilmember, Lisa Bartlett
• Dana Point Councilmember, Diane Harkey
• Dana Point Councilmember, Lara Anderson
• Dana Point Councilmember, Joe Snyder (ret.)
• Laguna Niguel Councilmember, Linda Lindholm
• Mission Viejo Mayor, Trish Kelley
• Mission Viejo Councilmember, Frank Ury
• Rancho Santa Margarita Councilmember, Tony Beall
• Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor, Neil Blais
• Rancho Santa Margarita Councilmember, Gary Thompson
• Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commissioner, Tom Russell
• San Clemente Councilmember, Steve Knoblock
• San Juan Capistrano Councilmember, Mark Nielsen
For more information, please visit the CUSD Recall Committee website at: www.cusdrecall.com
Renew CUSD: Vote “Yes” on the Recall Special Recall Election June 24th
Special guest column by CUSD Trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson & Larry Christensen that appeared in the June edition of the Trabuco Canyon News
Come June 24th, constituents who live in the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) will have the opportunity to make a positive change in direction of our troubled school district.
Three years ago, citizens dedicated to reforming CUSD gathered over 177,000 signatures in a failed attempt to recall all seven members of the Board of Trustees. The following year, the three of us sought seats on the seven-member school board running as the “ABC Reform Slate” candidates. Read More...
Important Notice to Voters from Tony Beall: Vote "Yes" on CUSD Recall - June 24th
I'm proud to be at the forefront of the fight to reform the Capistrano Unified School District.
Our five-year campaign to restore honesty, integrity and accountability into the Capistrano Unified School District has already achieved much...and on election night, we will celebrate a truly remarkable achievement:
For the first time in nearly two decades, the seven-member CUSD Board of Trustees will have a majority of Trustees dedicated to restoring honesty, integrity and accountability!
Please vote -- Tomorrow, June 24th -- If you vote by mail - return your completed ballot Today.
Please "Vote Yes" to recall Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke.
Please elect Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox to replace them.
You can visit our website at www.CUSDrecall.com to learn more about these very important issues.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at cusdrecall@cox.net should you have any questions, require any additional information or if I may ever be of any assistance to you.
Thank you.
Tony Beall
Important Notice to Voters from State Assemblymember Mimi Walters
Robocall message delivered to South OC residents by
Mimi Walters, Assemblymember, 73rd Assembly District
Hi, this is Assemblymember Mimi Walters. The education of our children is one of my highest priorities. That is why I’m urging you to Vote Yes on the CUSD Recall on June 24th.
We need positive change in our troubled school district. Please – mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 24th.
”Vote Yes” to recall the incumbents, AND in their place, elect Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox - two highly qualified reform candidates.
If you vote by mail, please return your completed ballot Today.
Thank you.
Mimi Walters
California Assemblymember
73rd Assembly District
For more information, please visit the CUSD Recall Committee website at: www.cusdrecall.com
Oh no, not that again! "Good Things Happening in CUSD"? Superintendent Carter borrows one right out of the James Fleming playbook
Jun 10, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Superintendents
• Carter ignores facts and attacks OC Register study, instead
• Carter announces another revisionist dog and pony show
In his latest weekly update, Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) announced his reaction to the OC Register's May 30th study of Orange County's Best High Schools. Carter's reaction proves how thoroughly he has embraced the corrupt practices of the Fleming old guard at CUSD.
Contrary to years of "happy talk" from CUSD, the OC Register study revealed the performance of CUSD high schools to be below average across the board. But never a district to let facts challenge the incessant, self-laudatory praising of the old guard, Carter has announced he will do what his predecessors have done best since the darkest days under the leadership of now-indicted, former Superintendent James Fleming...he's going to SPIN! Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee Calls for Repudiation of Illegal Secret Superintendent’s Contract
Committee Also Calls for Public Censure of Superintendent and Board President
Board President Mike Darnold and Superintendent Woodrow Carter signed illegal secret contract
See CUSD Recall Committee’s formal complaint letter.
See CUSD Recall Committee press release.
See illegal secret superintendent's contract.
See Government Code section misrepresented by superintendent.
See OC Register cartoon that mocks Carter's secret contract.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The CUSD Recall Committee filed a formal complaint today against Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) and Board President Mike Darnold for fraud, conspiracy and continuing intentional violations of the Brown Act and other applicable laws. Read More...
O.C. Republican Party Endorses CUSD Recall
The CUSD Recall special election will be held on June 24th.
CUSD Recall Committee spokesperson Thomas Russell was present for the May 19th Central Committee meeting and stated, “We are pleased the Republican Party agrees that Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke should be recalled and removed from office.” Read More...
Superintendent Carter and Trustee Darnold Sign Secret, Illegal Contract
May 12, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Open Meetings
Law |
Public
Statements | Superintendents
CUSD Recall leader says contract is unenforceable and calls for complete investigation
Tom Russell, Spokesperson, CUSD Recall Committee
My name is Tom Russell. I am the spokesperson for the CUSD Recall Committee.
On February 25th -- the same night this Board called a Special Meeting to fire hundreds of teachers and increase class sizes, a split Board voted in closed session to offer Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) a new three-year contract and a massive salary increase.
Understandably, a deafening public outcry immediately resulted, and hundreds of constituents urged Superintendent Carter to reject the offensive contract offer for the good of the district.
To his credit, Superintendent Carter publicly rejected the outrageous contract terms and on multiple occasions confirmed he would not sign the contract. Read More...
Secret and Illegal Superintendent’s Contract Discovered
• Superintendent Had Publicly Rejected the Contract Offer
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Despite numerous public statements to the contrary, it has now been confirmed that CUSD Superintendent Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter) and Board President Mike Darnold executed and delivered a secret and illegal superintendent’s employment contract. This action violated the California Brown Act and other applicable laws, and the contract is unenforceable for numerous reasons, including the following:
See illegal secret agreement, press release, news coverage and speech delivered by CUSD Recall Committee Spokesperson Tom Russell at the May 12, 2008 CUSD board meeting. Read More...
Local CRA units endorse CUSD Recall, Palazzo and Maddox
• Ladera Ranch Republican Assembly, based in Ladera Ranch,
• Rancho Santa Margarita Republican Assembly, based in Rancho Santa Margarita
• Saddleback Republican Assembly based in Mission Viejo, and
• South Orange County Republican Assembly based in Dana Point.
The CRA units also officially endorsed Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, the two reform candidates running to replace the incumbents in the upcoming June 24th special recall election.
Spitzer Calls on legislature to fund education; Republicans commit to uphold funding for Prop 98
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, 71st Assembly District
See Press Release
As a former high school teacher and elected school board trustee, I have always made the protection of our education system my top priority. The Governor proposed his budget in January and indicated that it would be necessary to make cuts to our classrooms.
Since then, thousands of parents, teachers and students have contacted me to express your distress about the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to education. I have been working with my colleagues to develop a responsible education plan that fully protects Proposition 98 and yet does not rely on raising new taxes. Read More...
Capistrano Dispatch reader questions CUSD Foundation's Class Size Reduction fund drive
May 03, 2008 Filed in: Budget
| Special
Interests
Dispatch Reader:
Recently Mission Viejo residents received notices (See attached) placed in their children’s backpacks and school binders by CUSD employees. The notice reads in large print “CUSD teachers deserve our support, not pink slips.” The notice encourages donations of $400 dollars per student in order to offset budget shortfalls.
In a recent conversation CUSD Foundation member Stacy Flynn, told one Mission Viejo parent, “the state budget cuts have created a $7 million dollar short fall for CUSD, and this donation drive will help to fill that shortfall in state budget cuts.” When the parent asked Ms. Flynn if the state had actually reduced the budget amount from last year, or if the cut was in the amount of the increase, Ms. Flynn stated, “No the state has reduced the budget” and that the parent was “misinformed.”
Read More...
Court Strikes Illegal Campaign Statements “in their entirety”
Apr 28, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Election
Laws |
Legal
Proceedings | Press
Release |
Reform
Campaign 2Q08
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. An Orange County Superior Court has stricken “in their entirety” the 200-word candidate statements filed by recall targets Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, two trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District. A copy of the court order is attached hereto.
The court’s action ensured Draper and Benecke’s illegal campaign statements will not be published in the sample ballots to be sent to all voters prior to the June 24 special election.
Leaders of the CUSD Recall Committee filed the lawsuit seeking court intervention to strike numerous “false, misleading and illegal statements” made by Draper and Benecke in their optional “Candidate Statement of Qualifications.” Read More...
CUSD Recall Court Hearing Set For Monday
Apr 25, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Election
Laws |
Legal
Proceedings | Press
Release |
Reform
Campaign 2Q08
Lawsuit Asks Court To Sanction Trustees Draper and Benecke for Illegal Campaign Statements
Recall
Committee leaders and lawsuit petitioners Jennifer
Beall and Tom Russell
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
On Monday,
April 28, 2008, a superior court judge will hear the
lawsuit brought by members of the CUSD Recall Committee
asking the court to strike numerous false, misleading
and illegal statements contained in candidate
statements filed by recall targets Marlene Draper and
Sheila Benecke, two trustees of the Capistrano Unified
School District (CUSD). The matter has been scheduled
for hearing before Judge Steven L. Perk on:
Monday, April 28, 2008, at 8:30 a.m., in Department C32
of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange,
at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA
92701.
Recall Targets Sued Over Illegal Campaign Statements
Apr 22, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Election
Laws |
Legal
Proceedings | Press
Release |
Reform
Campaign 2Q08
CUSD Recall Committee Members Ask Superior Court To Sanction Trustees Draper and Benecke
Recall Committee leaders Jennifer Beall and Tom Russell
See copy of complaint and press release.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Yesterday, leaders of the CUSD Recall Committee filed a legal action in Orange County Superior Court against Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, two trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).
The legal action seeks expedited court intervention to strike numerous false, misleading and illegal statements made by Draper and Benecke in the optional “Candidate Statement of Qualifications” each filed with the Orange County Registrar of Voters on April 12th. Any final approved Candidate Statement of Qualifications will be published in the sample ballot sent to all voters prior to the special election. Read More...
ABC Reform Trustees expose, condemn new Brown Act violation by Fleming-era Trustees and call upon D.A. to intervene
Joint Statement Condemns New Brown Act Violation and Effort to Conceal Critical Information from the Public
Ellen
Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry
Christensen, the "ABC Reform Trustees"
San Juan Capistrano, Ca. We believe that during our
most recent March 24th board meeting, the four
Fleming-era Trustees (Marlene Draper, Sheila Benecke,
Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff) violated the Brown Act --
again. We believe the facts clearly demonstrate they
did so with a specific intention to conceal from the
public critical information they knew should have been
made available to the public. As a result of this most
recent flagrant violation (which continues a systematic
pattern of illegal actions), we hereby call upon the
Orange County District Attorney to immediately
intercede. As a result of these illegal actions, we
also will demand that the official agenda for our next
board meeting on April 21, 2008 include an item calling
upon CUSD to stop all expenditures and further action
to construct the San Juan Hills High School Football
Stadium Complex because all prior approvals for that
project were obtained by presenting misleading and
incomplete information to the Board of Trustees – and
to the public.
On March 24th, we recessed into closed
session for the stated purpose of participating in a
conference with legal counsel related to potential
litigation. Agenda Item 3A was entitled:
“A.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant Exposure to
Litigation: Two Cases…”
CUSD Recall Committee endorses Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, the "P.M. Reform Slate" for CUSD board
Announcing The “P.M. Reform Slate”
Reform CUSD -- “Before It’s Too Late”
Palazzo & Maddox Endorsed by CUSD Recall Committee
Sue Palazzo, Candidate 2nd District - See Biography
Ken Maddox, Candidate 5th District - See Biography
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox announced today their candidacy for seats on the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees in the upcoming recall election. The CUSD Recall Committee proudly endorses Palazzo & Maddox – the “P.M. Reform Slate” Candidates.
After an exhaustive search for the very best candidates, the CUSD Recall Committee is confident that Palazzo & Maddox will put the best interests of the children and the taxpayers above all other interests in each decision they make. We are also confident these reform candidates will ask the tough questions, hold the CUSD administrative staff accountable for their actions, and work to create a transparent organization that is responsive to the community. Read More...
Indignant Trustee Bryson exposes old guard corruption and incompetence
The following hard-hitting speech was delivered by reform Trustee Anna Bryson at the March 10, 2008 CUSD board meeting immediately following the pathetic, emotional and error-ridden speech read by Trustee Mike Darnold.
I wish to speak. I will respond on behalf of the three of us seated here, Ellen Addonizio, Larry Christensen and I’m Anna Bryson.
I dislike having the integrity of the three of us impugned, when we have sacrificed a great deal in order to bring the first budget in the black to this community, to this board. In six years…five of the prior six years before we were elected, the budgets were in the red, which means that this board was not doing their taxpayers fiscal oversight.
This was brought up, I believe three meetings ago, in January, when Miss Draper, Trustee Draper told me that I was not telling the truth about the circumstances of the reserves of this district, at which point I called upon Sherry Hahn, our chief financial officer, who stated not only was I correct, but it was even more grave than I had stated. That it was presently at 2.2, not 2.4 at that point. Read More...
Emotional Mike Darnold attacks South OC voters, the Press and the ABC trustees
The following emotional and error-ridden speech was read by Trustee Mike Darnold at the March 10, 2008 CUSD board meeting.
Thank you Trustee Draper. I umm…I just want to make a statement that I prepared. It’s…umm…I’m gonna read it so that I don’t screw it up.
Umm…first of all, I’m not a politician. I have absolutely no political aspirations. Generally, speaking, pretty much I avoid conflict at all cost. I’m a rather, umm…I’m a rather, umm passive person who would really rather pray for my detractors than confront them.
Umm…the reason…uh…that I’m speaking today is I’ve always avoided using the…my position here on the board to air my personal thoughts, because they’re just that, they’re personal.
My position as a board member is to be of service to the constituents of Capistrano Unified. I make every effort possible to assure quality education and work for the other…with the other six board members to provide the vision for the future. And that’s what we’re tasked to do.
However, the time has come for me to stand up publicly for what I believe to be true. Read More...
Draper plans to oppose the recall
This speech by Marlene Draper at the March 10, 2008 CUSD board meeting reveals she is in complete denial of the problems facing CUSD.
By Trustee Marlene Draper
Mr. Darnold, would you mind allowing me to respond.
Umm…the campaign I plan to…to perform, is to reach out to the parents of our district, the parents of the children in the wonderful schools, to vote against the recall.
I am not planning on seeking re-election in…in November, but I think it is incumbent to remember that good, solid leadership is important in this district.
And it is a tragedy that right now the recall occurs at a time, and at a cost that equates to about ten teachers and ten classrooms, 766,000 dollars, which I think is a tragedy.
Thank you. Read More...
OC Registrar certifies enough signatures for recall. CUSD Recall Leaders: “We Are One Step Closer!”
Mar 10, 2008 Filed in: Press
Release |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
Group leading effort to recall Marlene Draper and
Sheila Benecke received approval today from OC
Registrar of Voters
Rancho Santa Margarita, California: Today, leaders of the CUSD Recall Committee were informed by the Orange County Registrar’s Office that the Registrar had certified the recall petition against Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, two Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).
On January 28th, The CUSD Recall Committee submitted to the Orange County Registrar 66,000 petition signatures – 60% more than required, to recall embattled Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper. Read More...
Rancho Santa Margarita, California: Today, leaders of the CUSD Recall Committee were informed by the Orange County Registrar’s Office that the Registrar had certified the recall petition against Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, two Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).
On January 28th, The CUSD Recall Committee submitted to the Orange County Registrar 66,000 petition signatures – 60% more than required, to recall embattled Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper. Read More...
Full Disclosure re-releases six-part series on parents' battle to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to CUSD
Mar 08, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Full
Disclosure Network | Press
Release
• Chaos follows corruption allegations in OC school district
• Release Date: March 7, 2008
Orange County, CA. The Full Disclosure Network® is re-releasing a ground-breaking six part series covering the historic battle to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). The citizen revolt began in 2005 with a petition drive to recall all seven members of the Board of Trustees and has now culminated in a full scale criminal investigation of the school board members and the indictment of former superintendent James Fleming for multiple felonies.
Provocative Series This provocative series will be featured on Cox South Orange County Cable Channel 31 starting Wednesday March 12th at 6 p.m., and will continue each and every Wednesday for the next six weeks. Read More...
Town Hall Meeting to Discuss: "What Impact Will California’s Budget Crisis Have on South Orange County?"
Several local officials will be featured, including ABC
Reform Trustees
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. On February 19th, a Town Hall Meeting focusing upon the impacts that the State’s budget crisis will have upon South Orange County will be held in Rancho Santa Margarita. A panel of several prominent local elected officials will analyze and discuss these issues of critical importance to all residents. The panel will include:
Three Trustees from the Capistrano Unified School District, Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen, who will address the particularly severe impacts on our local school district and their plans to address it.
71st District Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Neil Blais and Rancho Santa Margarita Councilmember Tony Beall, who will act as the moderator for the event.
Read More...
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. On February 19th, a Town Hall Meeting focusing upon the impacts that the State’s budget crisis will have upon South Orange County will be held in Rancho Santa Margarita. A panel of several prominent local elected officials will analyze and discuss these issues of critical importance to all residents. The panel will include:
Three Trustees from the Capistrano Unified School District, Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen, who will address the particularly severe impacts on our local school district and their plans to address it.
71st District Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Neil Blais and Rancho Santa Margarita Councilmember Tony Beall, who will act as the moderator for the event.
Read More...
Parents Advocate League Executive Director reacts to Monday night's Board meeting
We received the following letter by Parents Advocate
League Executive Director Julie Collier in a Feb 13
mass email from district reform
advocates.
Dear Superintendent and Trustees,
I am a parent of a 3rd grader in Mission Viejo. I was in attendance at last evening's meeting and I have to tell you how completely saddened I am at the lack of respect you (with exception of 3 board members)have shown toward our Mission Viejo Schools.
First, I would like to address your lack of preparation as it pertains to our boundary issues. I can't count how many times I heard you, Mr. Carter, make this statement, "I don't have that information in front of me." We were in front of this board in December. This was TWO months ago. Read More...
Dear Superintendent and Trustees,
I am a parent of a 3rd grader in Mission Viejo. I was in attendance at last evening's meeting and I have to tell you how completely saddened I am at the lack of respect you (with exception of 3 board members)have shown toward our Mission Viejo Schools.
First, I would like to address your lack of preparation as it pertains to our boundary issues. I can't count how many times I heard you, Mr. Carter, make this statement, "I don't have that information in front of me." We were in front of this board in December. This was TWO months ago. Read More...
MV reform advocate addresses CUSD Final Budget Workshop, shares essay on Newhart overcrowding by Barbara Casserly
We received the following Feb 12 email from Sharon
O'Brien, a Mission Viejo reform advocate affiliated
with Save Our Schools in C.U.S.D. ("SOS").
Dear Parents,
The extreme fallout from last night's board meeting is too incredible and mountainous to put in one email so I will give you some topline and other resources to read.
This feedback distribution list began with bus transportation and after last night, the buses are pretty much a thing of the past. Unfortunately, buses are now the least of our problems.
In last night's meeting, the CUSD reform trustees were magnificent and really spoke up for the interests of Mission Viejo , especially Newhart Middle school (see attached essay for details). The Superintendent recommended "do nothing" for the overcrowding at Newhart and the 4 old guard trustees agreed, despite calls to look at other options (stop bussing San Juan kids into our city, look at k-6, etc.). They moved on to address the concerns of San Clemente residents who had turned out in full force last month over their overcrowding issue and worked very hard to resolve that constituency's problem.
See CUSD Board Update: 2008-09 Budget Development
See Essay on Newhart Overcrowding by By Barbara Casserly Read More...
Dear Parents,
The extreme fallout from last night's board meeting is too incredible and mountainous to put in one email so I will give you some topline and other resources to read.
This feedback distribution list began with bus transportation and after last night, the buses are pretty much a thing of the past. Unfortunately, buses are now the least of our problems.
In last night's meeting, the CUSD reform trustees were magnificent and really spoke up for the interests of Mission Viejo , especially Newhart Middle school (see attached essay for details). The Superintendent recommended "do nothing" for the overcrowding at Newhart and the 4 old guard trustees agreed, despite calls to look at other options (stop bussing San Juan kids into our city, look at k-6, etc.). They moved on to address the concerns of San Clemente residents who had turned out in full force last month over their overcrowding issue and worked very hard to resolve that constituency's problem.
See CUSD Board Update: 2008-09 Budget Development
See Essay on Newhart Overcrowding by By Barbara Casserly Read More...
Recall Committee files third complaint re Old Guard Brown Act violations in less than a month
Feb 10, 2008 Filed in: Competitve
Bidding Laws | Facilities
Planning |
Open
Meetings Law | Public
Records Laws | San Juan Hills
HS
Complaint #3 re Brown Act Violations; Improper February 11, 2008 Meeting Agenda
Tom Russell, CUSD Recall Committee Spokesperson
Dear Trustees Benecke, Draper, Darnold and Stiff:
The purpose of this letter is to demand that you postpone and remove from the February 11, 2008 Board Agenda Items No. 37 – 41 relating to the construction of several multi-million dollar construction projects at the $150,000,000 San Juan Hills High School. For the reasons set forth below, taking action on these items would constitute a knowing and intentional violation of the California Public Records Act, the Brown Act and other applicable laws requiring competitive bidding. Read More...
ABC Reform Trustees issue joint statement calling on Fleming Trustees to comply with Brown Act and transparency in hiring legal counsel
Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry
Christensen, the "ABC Reform Trustees"
San Juan Capistrano, Ca. In the election of November
2006, the people of Capistrano Unified School District
elected the three of us to the Board of Trustees by 17%
landslide margins of victory – a clear mandate for
change. We ran as the “ABC Reform” candidates on a
reform platform, vowing to restore honesty, integrity,
accountability and transparency to CUSD.
In October of 2007, the Orange County District Attorney
issued a report citing dozens of instances where the
four Fleming-era Trustees (Marlene Draper, Sheila
Benecke, Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff) illegally
discussed district issues in secret behind closed
doors, in violation of the Brown Act. In order to avoid
further enforcement action by the District Attorney
against them, Trustees Sheila Benecke, Marlene Draper,
Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff accepted the findings of
the District Attorney’s report, admitted they had
repeatedly violated the Brown Act, and promised to
fully comply with the law in the future.
They have broken that promise.
"A recall of of Benecke and Draper would be a bargain, and the sooner the better."
Recall targets Sheila Benecke (left) and Marlene Draper (right)
Some have said that we should wait until the November general election to bounce Benecke and Draper out of office to save the district the cost of a recall election. I would ordinarily agree, however, these two Fleming-era leftovers keep proving they cannot be trusted to vote in even one more board meeting than necessary.
Last October, they admitted to repeatedly violating the state's open meetings law (the Brown Act) to avoid civil prosecution by the D.A. But in every regular board meeting since then, they have continued to violate the Brown Act by failing to provide proper public notice of important agenda items. The urgency is that the proposals Benecke and Draper are advocating without proper notice involve district spending of millions on very controversial (and arguably, luxurious) projects to the exclusion of well-known, needier projects. Read More...
66,088 Petitions to Recall CUSD Trustees Benecke and Draper Submitted to O.C. Registrar of Voters
Jan 28, 2008 Filed in: Press
Release |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
40,986 signatures – 20,493 per trustee – are required to qualify for an election to recall and remove Trustees Benecke and Draper from office. Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee To Submit Petitions to Registrar
Jan 27, 2008 Filed in: Press
Release |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
• More than 66,000 Recall Petition Signatures Gathered
• Press Conference Will Take Place Just Before Final
Submission to Registrar
Tony Beall (left) Tom Russell
(right)
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA The CUSD Recall Committee
proudly announces that it has successfully gathered
more than enough petition signatures to recall
embattled Capistrano Unified School District Trustees
Shelia Benecke and Marlene Draper.
The Recall Committee gave Trustees Benecke and Draper
until noon, last Friday, to resign or face certain
recall. Benecke and Draper did not respond, thereby
leaving the CUSD Recall Committee no choice but to file
the original recall petitions with the Registrar of
Voters.
CUSD was at financial risk at the hands of the Old Guard long before state cuts were announced
Here’s the inconvenient truth that Superintendent
Woodrow Carter, Old Guard CUSD trustees and staff and
union bosses and PTA leaders would rather not discuss.
As they all “Shout Out” to point fingers at their new
common enemy in Sacramento, they turn attention away
from themselves and years of disastrous financial
failures they continue to cause or enable right here in
CUSD.
Beverly de Nicola, Los Angeles Times "The district made $13 million in cuts this year, and $7.5 million of next year's cuts were planned before the governor announced billions of dollars in cuts to public schools earlier this month."
Due to years of mismanagement and deficit spending by the Fleming regime, CUSD already faced a financial crisis before the recent state cutbacks were announced. This is the inconvenient truth the senior trustees and staff will attempt to cover up by pointing their dishonest fingers at the state. The Fleming trustees and staff are responsible for the draconian cuts already planned due to the pre-existing financial disaster they created.
Now, after years of serial deficits and tens of millions in cuts due to their incompetence and misspending that already have hurt the children, they have assured that the impact of new state cutbacks will be even worse for CUSD than other, more responsible districts.
De Nicola is spokeswoman for CUSD.
Beverly de Nicola, Los Angeles Times "The district made $13 million in cuts this year, and $7.5 million of next year's cuts were planned before the governor announced billions of dollars in cuts to public schools earlier this month."
Due to years of mismanagement and deficit spending by the Fleming regime, CUSD already faced a financial crisis before the recent state cutbacks were announced. This is the inconvenient truth the senior trustees and staff will attempt to cover up by pointing their dishonest fingers at the state. The Fleming trustees and staff are responsible for the draconian cuts already planned due to the pre-existing financial disaster they created.
Now, after years of serial deficits and tens of millions in cuts due to their incompetence and misspending that already have hurt the children, they have assured that the impact of new state cutbacks will be even worse for CUSD than other, more responsible districts.
De Nicola is spokeswoman for CUSD.
Benecke admits to gross incompetence. "As you know, I do not read my packet..."
Jan 21, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Old Guard
Bloopers
"As you know, I do not read my packet..."
Parents expect their children to do their homework -- don't they expect at least that much out of their elected officials?
Read Benecke's fax memo here Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee To Hold Press Conference
Jan 18, 2008 Filed in: Press
Release |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
• Place: Entrance to CUSD administration building
• Signed Recall Petitions To Be Displayed
• Last Chance for Recall Targets to Resign Before Signatures Are Submitted
Tony Beall (left) Tom Russell (right)
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA The CUSD Recall Committee proudly announces that it has successfully gathered more than enough petition signatures to recall embattled Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Shelia Benecke and Marlene Draper.
It has now become painfully obvious there is a desperate need for an immediate change in leadership at the Capistrano Unified School District. We are seeking to recall Trustees Benecke and Draper because they have permitted a culture of corruption to infect our school district and because they have grossly mismanaged school district finances. Read More...
Mean-spirited CUSD hijinks reveals corrupt mindset of CUSD old guard and their contempt for CUSD constituents
Jan 15, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Old Guard
Bloopers
Hennes: "Jim, I just had to share the poetry that Bruce wrote following last night's meeting."
Fleming: "Shelia, Phenominal! What a talent. JF"
Left: James Fleming; Right: Shelia Henness
If you took offense at being called “jackasses” and being told to “slither” to the podium by Trustee Shelia Benecke, you haven’t heard anything yet.
Just read the following poem by Bruce Henness, husband of former Trustee Shelia Henness, who takes mean-spirited contempt for CUSD constituents to new heights. The accompanying fax cover reveals that Shelia Henness agreed with her husband and couldn’t wait to share his disgusting “masterpiece” with then Superintendent James Fleming, who praised the disgraceful poem as “Phenominal!” and Henness’ husband as “a talent.” For insight into the corrupt and hateful mindset of the CUSD old-guard that made the infamous CUSD enemies lists and other forms of retaliation possible, read the soon-to-be infamous Henness poem, below, and the original fax memo, here: Read More...
CUSD Old Guard Trustees Violate Brown Act…Again
Sheila Benecke, Marlene Draper, Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff, the "Fleming-era Trustees"
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – The CUSD Recall Committee filed a formal complaint against Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Shelia Benecke, Marlene Draper, Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff, for actions they took during their most recent CUSD Board Meeting in violation of the Brown Act and other applicable laws.
In particular, Trustees Draper, Benecke, Darnold and Stiff (the four senior, members of the Board who served with recently-indicted former Superintendent James Fleming) voted to approve sending several highly controversial, multi-million dollar construction projects out to bid – projects that were never placed upon an official board agenda. Read More...
Fleming and CUSD Officials Sued Over Illegal “Enemies Lists” and Sending “Moles” Into Private Homes
• District Officials Illegally Accessed Confidential Records on Multiple Occasions
• Action Seeks to Hold Wrongdoers Accountable and to “Send Message” to Future Leaders
• Plaintiffs Pledge to Return Net Proceeds to Cash-Strapped School District
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Today, members of the CUSD Recall Committee – and their children – filed a legal action in Orange County Superior Court against Capistrano Unified School District’s recently indicted former superintendent James Fleming, recently indicted assistant superintendent Susan McGill, and each of the seven elected “old guard” trustees who for years worked with Fleming.
The legal action seeks to hold the defendants accountable for their unlawful actions that violated the plaintiff’s civil rights and right to privacy, including actions related to the creation and use of illegal “enemies lists” and sending moles into private homes to spy on their political enemies.
See copy of Complaint and Press Release. Read More...
ABC Reform Trustees join chorus of elected officials calling for old-guard resignations
Jan 08, 2008 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Endorsements
| Recall
Campaign 07-08 | Press
Release
Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry
Christensen, the "ABC Reform Trustees"
San Juan Capistrano, California – In the election of November 2006, the people of the Capistrano Unified School District elected the three of us to the Board of Trustees by 17% landslide margins of victory – a clear mandate for change in the administration of the school district. We ran as the “ABC Reform” candidates on a reform platform, vowing to restore honesty, integrity and accountability, as well as returning scarce dollars back into the classroom. We answer only to the constituents of CUSD and we are charged to do what is best for all of the district’s 53,000 students, as a community.
Under the watch of Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper, the school district has experienced a tumultuous decade of controversies that has included unlawful secret meetings, misappropriation or mismanagement of public funds, five years of budget deficit spending (2002-2006), unchecked funding of questionable building projects compounded by misrepresentations of their funding, including the extravagant construction of the district’s 126,000 square foot administration building. Read More...
ABC committee members resign over flawed boundary assessment process and district's failure to take responsibility
Jan 06, 2008 Filed in: Attendance
Boundaries
Rather than taking responsibility for the controversial Vista del Mar attendance boundary issue themselves, the old guard and their staff have put well-meaning, but inexperienced parents on the Attendance Boundary Committee -- placing them in the line of fire as convenient scape goats and avoiding responsibility for doing the job themselves.
"The whole process is flawed," said former Attendance Boundary Committee member and parent Ron Frantz, 50, of Mission Viejo, who resigned from the committee during last month's public hearing. "The school district doesn't take responsibility. When the heat comes, they put parents in front to deflect the heat of something that is truly their responsibility." January 6, 2008, The Orange County Register Read More...
Holiday fun with the Flemster, Sheila and Marlene
Dec 17, 2007 Filed in: Humor
Oh m'gosh! Former CUSD superintendent James Fleming and Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper have been elfed! Jimbo may be indicted, and Sheila and Marlene may be the targets of a pending recall, but they haven't lost their holiday spirit...or their tricky moves. Join them for some hoppin' holiday fun.
(January 2, 2008: Sadly, with the passing of the holidays, so has OfficeMax's Elf-Yourself online fun feature. But it was a great holiday romp with CUSD's most infamous while it lasted.)
Old guard snubs ABC's and voter mandate...again
Dec 11, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Investigations
| Open Meetings
Law |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
The status quo Fleming-era trustees continue to prove how out of touch they are with the reform mandate sent by their constituents in the November 2006 general election when the ABC reform trustees were elected in landslide victories. Last night, the contrast between the status quo senior trustees and the ABC reform trustees couldn't have been clearer. It was also clear that the old guard is hunkering down for a fight to the bitter end, leaving no doubt that district reform will be impossible as long as they remain, and leaving reformers no choice but to complete the recall of Benecke and Draper ASAP.
Stiff does turnabout on SJHHS stadium bid; joins other Fleming trustees in proceeding before facilities assessment is completed
Dec 11, 2007 Filed in: Facilities,
Equity |
San
Juan Hills HS
CUSD Board sends San Juan Hills High School projects
out to bid
The Capistrano Dispatch
The
Capistrano Unified School District Board of
Trustees voted 4-3 to elicit bids for several large projects at San Juan Hills High School including the campus aquatic facility and the football stadium. Trustees at the previous board meeting tabled the item after concerns that other district campuses needed more essential improvements. The item returned to consideration last night and was passed on yes votes by Mike Darnold, Duane Stiff, Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper after the wording was changed so that the projects would only go out to bid. Like the vote earlier on the board presidency, Addonizio, Bryson and Christensen banded together for the no vote. Once the bids return the board will discuss whether or not to proceed with the projects based on the costs and an assessment of other facility needs.
Trustees voted 4-3 to elicit bids for several large projects at San Juan Hills High School including the campus aquatic facility and the football stadium. Trustees at the previous board meeting tabled the item after concerns that other district campuses needed more essential improvements. The item returned to consideration last night and was passed on yes votes by Mike Darnold, Duane Stiff, Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper after the wording was changed so that the projects would only go out to bid. Like the vote earlier on the board presidency, Addonizio, Bryson and Christensen banded together for the no vote. Once the bids return the board will discuss whether or not to proceed with the projects based on the costs and an assessment of other facility needs.
Fleming, McGill criminal trial delayed
Dec 08, 2007 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming
The criminal trial of former CUSD superintendent James Fleming and former CUSD associate superintendent Susan McGill, scheduled to begin on December 7, 2007, has been delayed for two months after a judge granted a motion by McGill's attorney to reconsider the evidence for McGill's perjury charge. The hearing on the perjury evidence has been set for February 8, 2007. Fleming has been charged with embezzlement by a public officer, use of school funds to urge support or defeat of a ballot measure or candidate, and conspiracy to commit acts injurious to the public. McGill has been charged with perjury and conspiracy to commit acts injurious to the public.
Attendance boundaries at issue again? Say it isn't so.
Dec 07, 2007 Filed in: Attendance
Boundaries | Racial
Gerrymandering
Thanks to the incompetence of the planning geniuses at CUSD, parents are in an uproar over attendance boundary change proposals...again. About 200 parents crowded CUSD HQ Thursday night to protest two proposed revisions to school attendance boundaries that would force some children to attend elementary and middle schools up to five miles from their neighborhood campuses. At least with parent committees "responsible" for the proposals, the old-guard Fleming trustees and their trusty staff can do some of their traditional finger-pointing.
SJHHS stadium...it's baaaaack!
Just when you thought it was safe to expect some rare, but welcome financial responsibility from CUSD, some of those persistent Fleming-era trustees and staff members bring back the controversial SJHHS stadium proposal, eager to spend meager district resources before the long-awaited, district-wide facilities needs assessment and master plan are even finished. Fiscal responsibility? Facilities equity? They continue to prove that they don't have a clue what those terms mean, as they undertake to cherry pick expensive pet projects, making a mockery of the district's master plan, driving the district into deeper financial peril, and setting the stage to pit parent against parent, again, at next Monday night's Board meeting.
Arroyo Vista's controversial principal Elaine Hart "retires" abruptly
The announcement came mid-term, without prior notice and with only a flimsy "to-pursue-other-opportunities" excuse, suggesting Hart actually "retired" to avoid imminent termination. She leaves a legacy of an over-built school, wasted millions and a bitterly divided community. In the face of overwhelming community opposition, Hart helped champion the ill-conceived Arroyo Vista school expansion in one of the most dishonest, partisan campaigns in CUSD history. Hart was notorious for playing favorites, covering up district wrongs and openly targeting district critics for retaliation. She helped Fleming co-opt a corrupt and politicized PTA that continues to misinform parents and obstruct true district reform. Hart's departure is an overdue, but welcome step in the right direction.
OC Register editorial calls for Fleming-era trustees to resign
Oct 29, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Investigations
| Old Guard
Bloopers |
Open
Meetings Law
Clouds lifting at CUSD, Board accepts that it violated
open-meeting law
Editorial, The Orange County Register The Capistrano Unified School Board’s 4-0 decision last week to accept the Orange County district attorney’s findings that the board had repeatedly violated the state’s open meetings law was perhaps the most sensible decision the board has made in quite a long time. The three newest board members – Anna Bryson, Ellen Addonizio and Larry Christensen – rightly abstained from the vote, given that they had nothing to do with the legal violations of the past board. Read More...
Editorial, The Orange County Register The Capistrano Unified School Board’s 4-0 decision last week to accept the Orange County district attorney’s findings that the board had repeatedly violated the state’s open meetings law was perhaps the most sensible decision the board has made in quite a long time. The three newest board members – Anna Bryson, Ellen Addonizio and Larry Christensen – rightly abstained from the vote, given that they had nothing to do with the legal violations of the past board. Read More...
Message to the Fleming-era trustees of the CUSD board: The people want you to resign
Oct 22, 2007 Filed in: Public
Statements | Recall
Campaign 07-08
Real-world experience of a CUSD Recall signature
gatherer
By Michelle Russell, CUSD resident and CUSD reform volunteer
I am a CUSD resident, a CUSD Recall and ABC Reform volunteer and one of the parents whose name appears on the CUSD “enemies” list. Over the past three years I have worked as a petition gatherer in the campaigns to recall senior members of the CUSD Board of Trustees.
In that time, I have met thousands of people throughout the district who have given me a clear picture of how our communities really view CUSD – and it’s not the view that is generally portrayed by you and your staff during the many board meetings I have attended. Read More...
By Michelle Russell, CUSD resident and CUSD reform volunteer
I am a CUSD resident, a CUSD Recall and ABC Reform volunteer and one of the parents whose name appears on the CUSD “enemies” list. Over the past three years I have worked as a petition gatherer in the campaigns to recall senior members of the CUSD Board of Trustees.
In that time, I have met thousands of people throughout the district who have given me a clear picture of how our communities really view CUSD – and it’s not the view that is generally portrayed by you and your staff during the many board meetings I have attended. Read More...
With chronic open-meetings law violations confirmed by D.A., chorus of outrage and demands for resignations grows
Oct 20, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Endorsements
| Investigations
| Open Meetings
Law
Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper
Two of the Fleming-era trustees Read More...
Reform volunteer calls on parents, taxpayers to attend Nov 5th CUSD board meeting to demand equity in facilities spending
Dear concerned CUSD parent/taxpayer:
Your help is urgently needed to fight the latest mismanagement and inequity in CUSD. Here's why:
* The "old guard" majority on the Board of Trustees is set to approve up to $12 million dollars in funding to put in a pool and football stadium at the new San Juan Hills High School (SJHHS). This is on top of the estimated $142 million they have already spent on this school that has an enrollment of only 640 students. Meanwhile;
* Students throughout the district sit in substandard, aging facilities with moldy portables, leaky roofs, old dirty carpeting, inadequate or non-existent multi-purpose rooms, rodent infestations, playgrounds/parking spaces that have been taken up by portables to ease overcrowding, etc. (see pictures below) and; Read More...
Your help is urgently needed to fight the latest mismanagement and inequity in CUSD. Here's why:
* The "old guard" majority on the Board of Trustees is set to approve up to $12 million dollars in funding to put in a pool and football stadium at the new San Juan Hills High School (SJHHS). This is on top of the estimated $142 million they have already spent on this school that has an enrollment of only 640 students. Meanwhile;
* Students throughout the district sit in substandard, aging facilities with moldy portables, leaky roofs, old dirty carpeting, inadequate or non-existent multi-purpose rooms, rodent infestations, playgrounds/parking spaces that have been taken up by portables to ease overcrowding, etc. (see pictures below) and; Read More...
Another turf war brewing in CUSD
Oct 17, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Facilities,
Equity |
San
Juan Hills HS | Special
Interests
Marlene Draper and CUSD staff are playing special
interest politics again, and setting the stage for more
community dissention
By Tom Russell, Spokesperson
CUSD Recall Committee
Last Monday night’s
board meeting (October 15) was an unfortunate
reminder of the days when former Superintendent
Fleming played politics by pandering to local
community interests, usually at the expense of
other communities within the district. If things
didn’t go smoothly, Fleming cleverly diverted the
attention of angry parents away from him and his
staff, to other parents in the district, causing
some of the nastiest turf wars in South Orange
County history. Fleming, in his own demented way,
even bragged about some of the despicable tactics
he used to divide communities in an article he
submitted to the American Association of School
Administrators.
This time, however, the seeds of dissention were being sewn by Fleming-protégé Marlene Draper, who pandered to the interests of parents at the district’s new “gold-plated” San Juan Hills High School. Read More...
By Tom Russell, Spokesperson
CUSD Recall Committee
This time, however, the seeds of dissention were being sewn by Fleming-protégé Marlene Draper, who pandered to the interests of parents at the district’s new “gold-plated” San Juan Hills High School. Read More...
Republican Party of Orange County Unanimously Asks Capistrano USD Trustees to Resign
(IRVINE, CA) - The Republican Party of Orange County Central Committee, with over 100 elected members, unanimously approved the following resolution pertaining to four members of the Capistrano Unified School District. Resolution of the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee on Monday, October 15, 2007 - passed by unanimous vote of the Committee:
Be it resolved that the repeated and consistent Brown Act violations, as reported by the Orange County District Attorney, and other egregious acts by Marlene M. Draper, Sheila J. Benecke, Duane E. Stiff and Mike Darnold are inconsistent with our Republican Party principles and, accordingly, the Republican Party of Orange County Central Committee asks these Trustees to immediately resign from their positions as Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District.
"The four people that were asked to resign are all registered Republicans, but they are not governing by our party's principles," said Scott Baugh, Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County. "The cumulative effect of all their improprieties leads us to no other conclusion but that these Republicans have forfeited their support from the Republican Party and they should resign."
For more information on the Republican Party of Orange County, please visit us at www.ocgop.org
See copy of official GOP press release.
CUSD teacher concerned about district's emphasis on standards, while quality of educational experience suffers
Irwin made this statement during public comments at the October 15 2007 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Irwin is a 36-year teaching veteran who teaches world literature at Dana Hills High School.
CUSD teacher says district "plays with" statistics, touting 94% as going on to higher learning, when less than 45% complete four years
Irwin made this statement during public comments at the October 15 2007 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Irwin is a 36-year teaching veteran who teaches world literature at Dana Hills High School.
Teacher believes large classes have already pushed CUSD passed the threshold of a positive learning environment
Hoffman made this statement during public comments at the October 15 2007 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Hoffman is a 31-year teaching veteran who teaches economics and laptop geography at Capo Valley High School.
Teacher says, with CUSD's increasing class sizes, students get less individual attention and teachers burn out
Hoffman made this statement during public comments at the October 15 2007 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Hoffman is a 31-year teaching veteran who teaches economics and laptop geography at Capo Valley High School.
Trustee Stiff admits the Fleming-era trustees knowingly violated the law!
• It's "case closed" for Benecke, Draper and Darnold.
• The evidence is in and it is time for them to resign.
The October 9th DA report states that the Fleming-era trustees will not be prosecuted criminally for violations of the Brown Act for want of evidence of their intent to violate the law. Ignoring the utter shame of the findings of wrongdoing in this scathing report, Benecke, Draper and Darnold are attempting one last desperate spin, claiming that they didn’t know what they were doing was wrong, that they relied upon bad advice from counsel.
Well, the facts contradict this disingenuous argument and, now, there is direct evidence from one of their own that they intended to violate the law. Read More...
D.A. report confirms numerous CUSD Brown Act violations -- and demands an admission of guilt
Here are links to copies of the District Attorney’s investigative report and cover letter.
The District Attorney has now given the corrupt old guard Board Members a choice. The District Attorney has confirmed that legal action will be commenced against the CUSD Board for these obvious violations of the Brown Act, UNLESS the CUSD Board takes a formal vote to admit their guilt and accept the District Attorney's detailed findings that confirmed the old guard committed numerous violations of the Brown Act. Read More...
Fleming, McGill pretrial hearing postponed until December 7th
Oct 05, 2007 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming
Day In Court For Indicted Ex-Sup Delayed
By Daffodil Altan, OC Weekly
An Orange County judge granted a new pretrial hearing date for ex-superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District, James Fleming and ex-assistant superintendent, Susan McGill. The pretrial hearing was scheduled for this morning, with a jury trial set to begin Oct. 29, but lawyers for both McGill and Fleming requested the new date of Dec. 7. A new jury trial date will not be set until after the Dec. 7 pretrial. Both Fleming and McGill were indicted in late May for conspiring to commit acts injurious to the public and misappropriating district funds to create lists of proponents of a recall election intended to oust the seven school board trustees. McGill was additionally indicted on a perjury charge. (See "Hard Knocks", Oct. 5). Read More...
Superintendent Carter establishes Intra-District Committees to increase accountability and transparency, and build community trust
Oct 05, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
Daily News Blast by The Capistrano Dispatch
It has been an exhilarating first month for me here in Capistrano Unified. I appreciate your warm welcome, and have enjoyed meeting so many involved parents, outstanding teachers, and hard-working students. This truly is an impressive school district, and I am proud to be part of it.
As your new interim superintendent I have pledged to increase accountability and transparency, and work to build trust in our community. To this end, I am working with our seven trustees to establish regular Intra-District Committees. Each committee will meet monthly, working on a variety of issues with staff, asking questions and providing input. Initiatives will then be brought forward from the committees to the full school board for consideration. Read More...
How Southern California Parents Won Back Their School District
Oct 05, 2007 Filed in: Full
Disclosure Network | Recall
Campaign 07-08
Full Disclosure Network ® Cable TV and Internet Series
on CUSD Recall Campaign
Parents in South
Orange County successfully fought to take back
control of the Capistrano Unified School District
(CUSD). Full Disclosure Network® cable television
program has recorded the historical battle within
the school district that started back in 2005 and
has taken almost two years, on its way to
completion all documented on seven DVDs to date,
including six complete shows, along with three
stimulating video news blogs. This special series,
on the CUSD grassroots Recall and School Reform
campaign, is featured on 45 cable television
systems. Also, available for viewing, via
streaming video, on the URL: http://www.fulldisclosure.net/cusd.html
Read
More...
OC Weekly investigates the ongoing campaign to reform CUSD
Oct 04, 2007 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Recall
Campaign 07-08
Three years in the life of the Capistrano Unified School District
BY DAFFODIL J. ALTAN
Daffodil Altan, OC Weekly THE VAST GLITTERING MEETING ROOM AT CAPISTRANO Unified School District’s shiny new headquarters is crowded this evening. It’s Monday night, the first week of school, and tonight’s board of trustees meeting is the first for the new interim superintendent, Woodrow Carter. He’s the third person to fill the slot in the past year.
The meeting begins with that staple of school-board gatherings across the nation, a syrupy video presentation about kindergarteners. Audience members chuckle at the squirmy kids on the two giant screens.
But many in the room aren’t laughing. Some watch with their lips pursed. Others shake their heads. Glances are exchanged across rows of chairs; the video does little to mask the tension that hangs in the room like a heaving storm cloud. Read More...
SJC City Council rescinds 2005 resolution opposing recall of CUSD trustees
Oct 03, 2007 Filed in: Elected
Officials | Express
Advocacy
DAILY NEWS BLAST: Neutral On CUSD
The City Council on Tuesday voted 3-1 to rescind a 2005 resolution that supported CUSD trustees under fire in an attempted recall. The vote, with Joe Soto abstaining because of a landscaping contract with the district, officially leaves San Juan Capistrano with "no position" on the current recall attempt against Trustees Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke. A handful of residents and Councilman Lon Uso argued the move should have gone farther to support the current recall, but that effort failed to garner any support. Councilman Tom Hribar voted against even rescinding the 2005 decision. Read More...
SJC City Council should withdraw its opposition to recall
Oct 02, 2007 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Budget
| Elected
Officials | Express
Advocacy |
Facilities,
Equity |
Public
Statements
By Barbra Casserly, Mission Viejo
Good evening Honorable Mayor and City Council. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to speak. My name is Barbara Casserly and I am a resident of Mission Viejo.
The last time you considered this item you considered the cost of the election. I ask you to consider the cost of allowing the current leadership to continue to take from our children’s schools. We cannot allow the current leadership to pass one more budget. We are experiencing our sixth year of budget deficits because for several years CUSD was a district where our seven Trustees voted together – on every single item. Details were left to key staff members who were rewarded with frequent contract renewals and high praise. CUSD Trustees did not display dirty laundry in public as the dirty laundry was swept under the rug the infrastructure of the district started crumbling.
Read More...
Reform advocate identifies basic inequities of CUSD's misplaced priorities
Sep 28, 2007 Filed in: Budget
| Facilities,
Equity |
Measure A
Fraud |
Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Overcrowding
| Public
Statements
By Sharon Campbell, Mission Viejo
I am a longtime parent volunteer and active supporter of Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) schools. I, like many others, have dedicated time to serve the students and staff of CUSD. As a resident of Mission Viejo I can say I have never believed Trustee Draper had any interest in the condition of the schools or the children of my community. I have heard her talk a lot about the schools and children in San Juan, but in the past three or four years I have not heard any level of interest about other communities in CUSD, and I attend every board meeting. Trustee Draper does not seem to understand the impact she has on the schools outside her own city. I recently wrote to her about two comments I continually hear her make that led me to my conclusion, but she did not respond. Read More...
OC Weekly reports on San Juan Hills High - and cuts through the CUSD "happy talk"
Sep 13, 2007 Filed in: Racial
Gerrymandering | San Juan Hills
HS
Surreal Estate
A
short, strange trip up the winding road to the
brand-new, landfill-adjacent San Juan Hills High
BY DAFFODIL J. ALTAN
Daffodil Altan, OC Weekly The new San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano has all the makings of a state-of-the-art facility—tennis courts; an expansive performing-arts center; track, baseball and soccer fields. But a young freshman could find her trip to the new school’s pristine, as-yet-unfinished campus to be, well, a trip.
She might or might not know about the controversy surrounding the school—from the vote by residents in 2002 to not build the school there to the Capistrano Unified School District’s decision to go ahead anyway; from how much it has cost (a whopping $140 million) to the lawsuits over the use of race during the drawing of district boundaries. As it stands today, it is nearly complete and has its first signs of wide-eyed freshman life pouring in (fewer students than the district expected enrolled as sophomores, so the school opened with only the freshman class of 600 students). It is, after all, the first school built since 1964 in a district with crowded high schools. Read More...
BY DAFFODIL J. ALTAN
Daffodil Altan, OC Weekly The new San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano has all the makings of a state-of-the-art facility—tennis courts; an expansive performing-arts center; track, baseball and soccer fields. But a young freshman could find her trip to the new school’s pristine, as-yet-unfinished campus to be, well, a trip.
She might or might not know about the controversy surrounding the school—from the vote by residents in 2002 to not build the school there to the Capistrano Unified School District’s decision to go ahead anyway; from how much it has cost (a whopping $140 million) to the lawsuits over the use of race during the drawing of district boundaries. As it stands today, it is nearly complete and has its first signs of wide-eyed freshman life pouring in (fewer students than the district expected enrolled as sophomores, so the school opened with only the freshman class of 600 students). It is, after all, the first school built since 1964 in a district with crowded high schools. Read More...
Welcome Interim Superintendent Carter
Public comments delivered at the September 10, 2007
CUSD Board Meeting by Tom Russell, Spokesperson for the
CUSD Recall Committee
My name is Tom
Russell. My child is on the CUSD enemies list. So
is my wife, and so am I. I am the spokesperson for
the CUSD Recall Committee.
Welcome, Interim Superintendent Carter. We sincerely appreciate your interest in our school district and, based on your background and experience, we have high hopes for the good that you can accomplish at CUSD.
We agree that CUSD does have all the ingredients for a successful school district -- except one. Unfortunately, the CUSD board lacks a majority with honesty, integrity and accountability. This is why we attempted to recall the Fleming-era trustees in 2005, and why we have been compelled to commence another recall, just recently. Read More...
Welcome, Interim Superintendent Carter. We sincerely appreciate your interest in our school district and, based on your background and experience, we have high hopes for the good that you can accomplish at CUSD.
We agree that CUSD does have all the ingredients for a successful school district -- except one. Unfortunately, the CUSD board lacks a majority with honesty, integrity and accountability. This is why we attempted to recall the Fleming-era trustees in 2005, and why we have been compelled to commence another recall, just recently. Read More...
RSM Mayor Pro Tem calls for Fleming trustees to step aside for the good of the community
Sep 01, 2007 Filed in: Elected
Officials
In response to the indictments and continuing problems in beleaguered CUSD, local officials from across South Orange County are now speaking out and demanding change. Thompson is Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
CUSD Superintendent’s Weekly Update: Back to School Message
Aug 31, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
Our new Interim Superintendent Woodrow
Carter
(aka Arnold Carter),
who joins Capistrano Unified on September 4, shared
this Back-to-School message with all CUSD employees:
Arnold Woodrow Carter, Interim
Superintendent
A new school year
presents opportunities for various beginnings—new
teachers, new classes, new faces, new students,
sometimes new courses, new principals and leaders,
and this year...A New Superintendent!
Summer time and vacations can be great healers; and as we approach the opening day of a new school year, the end-of-year pressures that plagued us in June now seem quite remote and inconsequential. I am starting my first year with you, and I want it to be a memorable one. Read More...
Summer time and vacations can be great healers; and as we approach the opening day of a new school year, the end-of-year pressures that plagued us in June now seem quite remote and inconsequential. I am starting my first year with you, and I want it to be a memorable one. Read More...
More CUSD excuses - new SJHHS principal offers more pap to gloss over planning failures and serious safety issues
Sure, Tony. Just keep up the excuses and happy talk to cover-up another long-term facilities planning disaster from the folks at CUSD. And keep pointing fingers at the roadway as the culprit behind the delays. Be sure to ignore the fact that even now much of the campus looks more like a construction zone that a school. And good luck getting CUSD to take responsibility for the delays for which they clearly were responsible. Ferruzzo is the principal (and spokeshole) of CUSD's newest high school, the controversial, $140 million (and counting) San Juan Hills High School, that has experienced numerous cost overruns, delays and continues to raise serious safety, financing, contracting, facilities equity, environmental and other important issues, yet to be explained by the CUSD trustees or administration.
City Officials Join Call For School Trustees To Step Down
Full Disclosure Network®
previews newest in series of investigative video news
reports on CUSD culture of corruption.
Click here to see Full Disclosure video
preview.
![498-9CUSD Update[1]](files/page26_blog_entry91_summary_1.jpg)
• Internet exclusive: On Full Disclosure® Video News Blog
• Video Preview Time: 8:19 min.
• Release Date: September 1, 2007
Orange County, CA: Parents, taxpayers and Americans who have been frustrated with the leadership of their local School Boards, can look to South Orange County California for what will surely be a text book case for how to conduct a complete political revolution, using the democratic process. The Full Disclosure Network®(FDN) presents a FREE eight minute Internet video preview of the two latest episodes (Part 5 and 6) of an on-going cable TV series covering the real life grassroots campaign to recall or replace all seven of the elected Trustees within the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). Read More...
• Internet exclusive: On Full Disclosure® Video News Blog
• Video Preview Time: 8:19 min.
• Release Date: September 1, 2007
Orange County, CA: Parents, taxpayers and Americans who have been frustrated with the leadership of their local School Boards, can look to South Orange County California for what will surely be a text book case for how to conduct a complete political revolution, using the democratic process. The Full Disclosure Network®(FDN) presents a FREE eight minute Internet video preview of the two latest episodes (Part 5 and 6) of an on-going cable TV series covering the real life grassroots campaign to recall or replace all seven of the elected Trustees within the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). Read More...
OC Weekly assesses recall chances: "A lock. With Fleming already indicted and a well-seasoned recall team ready for war."
Aug 24, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Recall
Campaign 07-08
Recall Madness!
Sheila Benecke, Mike Darnold, Marlene Draper, Duane Stiff, Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District
Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly Opponents Accuse Them Of: Mishandling millions of dollars in school funds, gerrymandering school boundaries to ensure racial diversity, and being lackeys for former superintendent James Fleming, whom the Orange County Grand Jury indicted for misappropriating funds and creating an enemies list. Read More...
Sheila Benecke, Mike Darnold, Marlene Draper, Duane Stiff, Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District
Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly Opponents Accuse Them Of: Mishandling millions of dollars in school funds, gerrymandering school boundaries to ensure racial diversity, and being lackeys for former superintendent James Fleming, whom the Orange County Grand Jury indicted for misappropriating funds and creating an enemies list. Read More...
CUSD Recall Petitions Approved
Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper to Face
Recall
![Draper 15_2[1]](files/page26_blog_entry89_summary_2.jpg)
Santa
Ana, CA.
Today the
CUSD Recall Committee received confirmation the
Orange County Registrar of Voters had approved the
Petition to Recall Capistrano Unified School
District Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene
Draper. Recall Proponents may now formally begin
the process of collecting signatures from 10% of
the registered voters in the School District to
qualify the recall election. They have 160 days to
circulate and submit petitions. The grounds for
the recall read as follows: Read
More...
Capistrano Unified hires interim leader
Aug 18, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
Former military officer to take over in September.
By Sam Miller, The Orange County
Register
Capistrano Unified trustees hired a longtime military officer to take over as interim superintendent of the county's second-largest school district.
Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter), who has been superintendent of the 23,000-student Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District since 2005, is expected to start in early September. Terms of his contract are being negotiated, but his stay is expected to last for nearly two years, district spokeswoman Beverly De Nicola said. Read More...
Capistrano Unified trustees hired a longtime military officer to take over as interim superintendent of the county's second-largest school district.
Woodrow Carter (aka Arnold Carter), who has been superintendent of the 23,000-student Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District since 2005, is expected to start in early September. Terms of his contract are being negotiated, but his stay is expected to last for nearly two years, district spokeswoman Beverly De Nicola said. Read More...
It's time to take back our school district. School board recall kick off party
Aug 15, 2007 Filed in: Press
Release |
Recall
Campaign 07-08
Parents in the Capistrano Unified School District
invite you to join us for a School Board Recall Kick
Off Party
Date
and Time: Wednesday, August 29,
2007, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Place: Casta del Sol Golf Course, 27601 Casta del Sol, Mission Viejo
Complimentary hors d'oeurves and beverages, no host bar
R.S.V.P. to Barbara Casserly, (949) 637-4687 or bcasserly@cox.net
Recall petitions will be available
Donations needed and appreciated - Please make checks payable to Committee to Reform CUSD. Read More...
Place: Casta del Sol Golf Course, 27601 Casta del Sol, Mission Viejo
Complimentary hors d'oeurves and beverages, no host bar
R.S.V.P. to Barbara Casserly, (949) 637-4687 or bcasserly@cox.net
Recall petitions will be available
Donations needed and appreciated - Please make checks payable to Committee to Reform CUSD. Read More...
Capo Unified won't pay legal fees of ex-superintendent
James Fleming has been indicted for allegedly creating
enemies lists to thwart a recall.
By David Haldane, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
The Board of Trustees of
the Capistrano Unified School District voted
unanimously Monday not to consider a request by
former Supt. James Fleming to pay his legal fees
stemming from an indictment for allegedly creating
enemies lists to thwart a recall.
Read
More...
By David Haldane, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
Final petition forms to recall Trustees Benecke and Draper submitted to OC Registrar
Aug 09, 2007 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 07-08
After consulting with the recall proponents and the three seated CUSD Reform Trustees, for strategic reasons a decision was made not to circulate petitions to recall Trustees Duane Stiff and Mike Darnold.
New Outrage: Fleming Asking Taxpayers to Pay for His Criminal Defense!!!
Jul 23, 2007 Filed in: Criminal
Attorney Fees | Elected
Officials | Investigations
| Press
Release |
People
vs Fleming
• Fleming Asks Taxpayers to Fund His Criminal Defense
• Calls for Accountability and Resignations of Fleming-Era Trustees Increase
Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA.
The CUSD
Recall Committee has learned that James Fleming,
the indicted former superintendent of the
Capistrano Unified School District, has submitted
a formal request to the school district asking
that taxpayers pay for his criminal defense. As
part of the on-going criminal investigation of the
CUSD leaders, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
recently announced the indictment of former
Superintendent James Fleming on three felony
counts. If convicted, Fleming could serve up to
four years in prison.
See Fleming criminal attorney fees request letter Read More...
• Calls for Accountability and Resignations of Fleming-Era Trustees Increase
See Fleming criminal attorney fees request letter Read More...
CUSD spokesperson says CUSD is a 'full disclosure' agency, but district stonewalling tells a different story
Jul 23, 2007 Filed in: Quotes
Beverly DeNicola, email to The Full
Disclosure Network "When
we talked a few weeks ago you said that our district
was stonewalling. I pointed out that you and I had
never talked, and that I would be happy to provide
you with any any information any time, just as I do
with reporters and members of the public. I have
spoken to our Board President, and Mrs. Benecke has
asked me to provide you with information on her
behalf. Neither she nor I will be available for an
on-camera interview at this time. I am looking
forward to receiving the questions that you said you
would be sending to me. I will respond completely
and honestly to your questions, except that, as I
stated before, I am unable to address questions that
go to the recall, which is a political process, or
the legal process involving our former employees.
CUSD is a 'full disclosure' agency. Give us a chance
to prove that to you."
DeNicola sent this to Full Disclosure in response to an email from Leslie Dutton, whose repeated attempts to interview the CUSD trustees and Superintendent Fleming for nearly two years had been rejected by the district. As CUSD's Director of Communications, DeNicola carries on the tradition of her predecessor, David Smollar, by spinning to cover the district's obvious stonewalling.
DeNicola sent this to Full Disclosure in response to an email from Leslie Dutton, whose repeated attempts to interview the CUSD trustees and Superintendent Fleming for nearly two years had been rejected by the district. As CUSD's Director of Communications, DeNicola carries on the tradition of her predecessor, David Smollar, by spinning to cover the district's obvious stonewalling.
A plea to the honest employees of CUSD
Jul 09, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Investigations
| Recall
Campaign 07-08
For the good of the district, please step forward, do
the right thing
It’s obvious we are now witnessing the final gasps of the corrupt Fleming regime. The four leftover trustees – Benecke, Draper, Stiff and Darnold – are on their way out. The employees of CUSD no longer need to hide in fear. Now is the time to come forward and expose the corruption you have witnessed at CUSD.
It’s obvious we are now witnessing the final gasps of the corrupt Fleming regime. The four leftover trustees – Benecke, Draper, Stiff and Darnold – are on their way out. The employees of CUSD no longer need to hide in fear. Now is the time to come forward and expose the corruption you have witnessed at CUSD.
Benecke,
Draper, Darnold and Stiff
The Leftover
Fleming Trustees
Draper reveals yet another excuse for not discussing the peoples' business in public
Thanks for the explanation, Marlene. At least now we can all rest easy knowing that the improper concealment of the district’s financial affairs wasn’t your only purpose in violating the state’s open meetings law.
Draper spins herself sleezy, under oath, to justify secret meetings
Jul 08, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Quotes
This is Draper's testimony before the grand jury as she tried to defend the board of trustees' illegal, secret behavior. Since "secret" and "confidential" are synonymous, she offers a difference without a distinction. Now that really smells.
"For these reasons, we now serve upon you official recall papers."
Public comments addressed to the CUSD trustees at the
July 2, 2007 board meeting
My name is Tom
Russell. As you know, I have one child attending
school in CUSD.
My child is on the CUSD enemies list. So is my wife…and so am I.
Today, you are scheduled to meet in closed session where you are scheduled to consider who will be the next interim superintendent – the third since recently indicted former Superintendent James Fleming left in disgrace. Read More...
My child is on the CUSD enemies list. So is my wife…and so am I.
Today, you are scheduled to meet in closed session where you are scheduled to consider who will be the next interim superintendent – the third since recently indicted former Superintendent James Fleming left in disgrace. Read More...
1990-1991 Grand Jury Report exposes the deep roots of, and players behind the CUSD culture of corruption
Jun 17, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Election
Laws |
Express
Advocacy |
Investigations
| Legal
Proceedings | Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Open
Meetings Law | People vs
Fleming |
Student
Records
It looks like Benecke, Draper and others at CUSD are up
to their old tricks ... very old
tricks.
Have you read the
1990-1991 Grand Jury report on CUSD’s unethical
and illegal conduct during the 1989-1990 Measure A
Mello-Roos election? The issues are
strikingly similar to those recently exposed in
numerous CUSD scandals, and those recently
investigated by the Orange County District
Attorney and the 2006-2007 Grand Jury, and which
recently became the subjects of formal criminal
indictments against former superintendent James
Fleming and former assistant superintendent Susan
McGill. Read
More...
CUSD Troubles Were Predicted
Jun 08, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Investigations
| People vs
Fleming
Is it possible for me to take my City Council hat off for a minute and discuss an issue that I have been talking to you about for six or seven years, an issue that we may all be sick of hearing about but is so very important none-the-less, the CUSD.
I was personally not shocked to hear of the indictments of Jim Fleming and Susan McGill, although I thought there would be a few more names included, of course this may change before this article is published. Read More...
Opening statement by Board President Sheila Benecke at the June 4th meeting of the CUSD Board of Trustees
Jun 04, 2007 Filed in: Old Guard
Bloopers |
Superintendents
Dennis Smith: the ultimate quitter
May 31, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
Capistrano Unified School District is no doubt fortunate that its new superintendent, Dennis Smith, quit and decided to return to his old job. As the Register reported, Smith was slated to take over the district on July 1, but had effectively been serving as superintendent throughout May. He bailed out after the indictment of the former superintendent, and said: Read More...
Statement by Board President Sheila Benecke regarding the resignation of Superintendent Dennis Smith
May 30, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
Dennis Smith's resignation letter
May 30, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
As you know, I have been anticipating beginning my first term as your new superintendent on July 1, 2007. I have looked forward to working with the current board members to establish a new vision that enables the district to move forward. That optimistic view was based on a presumption that several legal controversies and leadership challenges facing the district had been resolved. Together, we thought Capistrano Unified was positioned to launch a new and exciting chapter in its history. Read More...
Lesson in hubris at Capo Unified
May 29, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Express
Advocacy |
Investigations
| People vs
Fleming |
Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters |
School
Bonds |
Superintendents
Indictments of former superintendent, assistant, should
encourage community vigilance
Editorial, The Orange County
Register
The indictment last week of two former top officials at Capistrano Unified capped a long and bitter battle at that south county school district over efforts to reform leadership that had grown arrogant and out of touch with the public. An indictment is a far cry from a conviction, but the county grand jury’s decision is indeed vindication for the hearty band of parents who attempted to recall the school board and offers encouragement for grass-roots activists who want to keep their government accountable. Read More...
The indictment last week of two former top officials at Capistrano Unified capped a long and bitter battle at that south county school district over efforts to reform leadership that had grown arrogant and out of touch with the public. An indictment is a far cry from a conviction, but the county grand jury’s decision is indeed vindication for the hearty band of parents who attempted to recall the school board and offers encouragement for grass-roots activists who want to keep their government accountable. Read More...
Fleming's foes are just getting started
May 25, 2007 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming |
Recall
Campaign 07-08 | Reform
Campaign 4Q08
Opponents of the indicted former Capistrano Unified superintendent are now going after remaining trustees who supported him.
Dana Parsons, Orange County, The Los Angeles Times
You bet they feel vindicated. What they aren't feeling is charitable. You could say, in fact, they're just getting warmed up.
The foes of former Capistrano Unified School District Supt. James Fleming — yes, the man had enemies — had reason to celebrate Thursday, if that's the right word. They had been loudly proclaiming in recent years that Fleming was running a corrupt administration, and now they've got county grand jury indictments against Fleming and his assistant superintendent to back them up. Read More...
It's official - former superintendent James Fleming, former assistant superintendent Susan McGill indicted!
• Charges include misappropriation of funds, conspiracy, perjury
• DA says he's not finished, possibly more indictments to follow
• Recall leaders demand Fleming trustees' resignation or face recall
How the mighty have fallen
May 24, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming |
Superintendents
We get news that former Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent James Fleming and Assistant Superintendent Susan McGill were indicted by the grand jury. Fleming was indicted for misappropriation of public funds, for using school funds to defeat a recall of his political allies and conspiracy, according to DA Tony Rackauckas' statement. McGill was indicted for conspiracy and perjury. These are all felony charges, relating to their efforts to stop the recall and the compilation of an enemies list. Read More...
Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent and Assitant Indicted for Creating "Enemies List" and Misusing School Funds
• Highest ranking school officials charged in Orange County History
SANTA ANA – An indictment was unsealed this morning against the former Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) for using public and school funds to create an “enemies list” of citizens supporting a 2005 recall election against the School District Board of Trustees.
Read More...CUSD Trustee Benecke Violates Brown Act…Again
May 15, 2007 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Open Meetings
Law
The CUSD Recall Committee filed a formal complaint against Shelia Benecke, President of the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees, for actions she took during the open session of the most recent CUSD Board Meeting in violation of the Brown Act and other applicable laws.
Read More...
Restoring Balanced Budget, Good Relations at District
May 11, 2007 Filed in: Superintendents
I want to thank the Capistrano Unified family for your warm welcome as I begin my new assignment as Superintendent. The last several weeks have been busy but invigorating. I have met with community leaders, concerned and involved parents, hardworking employees, city officials, education professionals, and other constituents offering support. I am convinced more than ever that we share the same vision of academic excellence, integrity, community involvement, and dedication to our students. Read More...
Draper says nepotism and cronyism is OK because it's not "technically" illegal, "It just smells."
Draper made this statement in response to a resident who criticized her for historically engaging in nepotism and cronyism by discussing and voting on district contracts with Culbertson, Adams and Associates, an environmental firm where Draper's daughter, Shawna Schaffner, serves as CEO. The Waldrip report had admonished the trustees to avoid the appearance of such improprieties, and cited the Culbertson and Adams agreement as an example. Judge Waldrip advised any trustee with such family relationships to abstain from such discussions or votes in the future, and speculated that the public would see the end of such improprieties as more reasonable judgement prevailed at CUSD in the future. Draper and the other Fleming trustees never apologized or took personal responsibility for any of the numerous wrongdoings confirmed by Waldrip. Instead, Draper disregarded Waldrip's admonitions and advice, discussed and voted for her daughter's contract at the first opportunity, and twisted Waldrip's words to justify her continued unethical conduct. Rather than raise the ethical bar at CUSD, as Waldrip recommended, Draper disregarded ethics and defended the bare legal minimum as good enough for CUSD ... even if it "smells." The crowd and the press were shocked. The new superintendent, Dennis Smith, put his face into his hands and shook his head in disbelief. The only person in the room who didn't seem to get it, was Draper.
Your Mello-Roos Tax Bill
May 01, 2007 Filed in: Administration
Building |
City Tax
Audits |
Culture of
Corruption | Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Redevelopment
Funds
When speaking with residents of Rancho Santa Margarita, I am routinely asked, “When will my Mello-Roos taxes go away?”
I am proud to say that our City Council is working to obtain the information and answers you need. Let me explain. Read More...
Arroyo Vista PTA should tell CUSD to fix P.E. facilities deficiencies on school site, leave community park alone
CUSD Trustee Benecke Caught Improperly Speaking for Board Without Authorization
• National, state and council PTAs deny "joining" or supporting Arroyo Vista PTA's improper and illegal political campaign.
• State PTA orders Arroyo Vista PTA to cease and desist.
Documents | Going Going Gone | Photos Read More...
The Report’s In: Now What?
Some will undoubtedly claim the findings of retired Judge Stuart Waldrip’s investigation into Capistrano Unified vindicate the district’s leaders.
After all, he finds the only one who might have committed any crime is spokesman turned whistle-blower David Smollar, and all the former superintendent and trustees are guilty of is bad judgment. To me, that’s a stinging indictment. I tend to count on my elected leaders for good judgment, taking it for granted they won’t break any laws. Read More...
Draper supiciously confident about outcome of Waldrip investigation
Gee, Marlene, any chance you heard about Waldrip's wishy-washy report before hand? Waldrip failed the "independence" test from the start, and though the report strained to make excuses for virtually everyone at CUSD, it's scope was actually limited to very few real issues. And how about those recommendations -- very little bark and absolutely no bite. The report clearly shows that no blame or accountability for you, your colleagues or staff were ever intended. No wonder you're comfortable.
CUSD Board President Marlene Draper Called Before Grand Jury
Dec 04, 2006 Filed in: Criminal
Attorney Fees | Investigations
| Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming
•
Scandal-Ridden Board President Forced to Testify for
Three Days
• CUSD Recall Committee Calls For Draper’s Immediate Resignation
San Juan Capistrano, CA. As part of the on-going criminal investigation of the Capistrano Unified School District, Board President Marlene Draper just spent three days testifying before the Orange County Grand Jury. A criminal defense attorney charging $395/hour is representing Draper … and, the taxpayers will be forced to pay the bill! Read More...
Signs that CUSD has learned its lessons
Dec 03, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Culture of
Corruption | Legal
Proceedings | Open Meetings
Law |
Racial
Gerrymandering | Superintendents
New leadership of Capistrano district admits mistakes,
changes controversial policy
Editorial, The Orange County
Register Finally, Orange County
residents are getting some good news from the
Capistrano Unified School District, the massive
south county district that has been plagued by
scandal for several months and controversy for
several years. The new administration, headed by
interim Superintendent Charles McCully, is settling
outstanding legal disputes and admitting mistakes
that the district’s administration had made, which
sends signals that, perhaps, badly needed reform is
in the air. Read
More...
Casabianca Mailer Fraudulently Claims Bergeson Support
Nov 01, 2006 Filed in: Criminal
Attorney Fees | Culture of
Corruption | Endorsements
| Press
Release |
Reform
Campaign 4Q06
Former State Senator Endorses Challenger Anna
Bryson
Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA. Scandal-Ridden CUSD
Trustee John Casabianca just sent a deceptive
mailer to voters across South Orange County
suggesting that Former State Senator Marion
Bergeson endorses and supports his re-election
bid. Bergeson does not endorse or support John
Casabianca – and she recently told him so. In
fact, Marion Bergeson has proudly endorsed
candidate Anna Bryson of the “ABC Reform Slate”
for the CUSD Board of Trustees.
Read More...
Read More...
CUSD recall mailer
After the Capistrano Unified School District recall scandal, which drove imperial Superintendent Jim Fleming from his post after it was revealed that the district maintained an enemies' list of parents supporting the board recall, it will be interesting to see how the board elections go on Nov. 7. Here is a mailer from the reform slate.
Posted at 09:50 AM Read More...
Citizen Outrage Provokes School District Shake-up
Oct 21, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Full
Disclosure Network | Registrar of
Voters |
Superintendents
Read More...
CUSD Trustee John Casabianca Forced to Appear Before Grand Jury
Oct 19, 2006 Filed in: Investigations
| People vs
Fleming
San Juan Capistrano, CA. As part of the on-going criminal investigation of the Capistrano Unified School District leaders, Trustee John Casabianca has been called to testify before the Orange County Grand Jury. A criminal defense attorney charging $395/hour is representing Casabianca…and, it has just been confirmed, the taxpayers will be asked to pay the bill! Read More...
CUSD Recall Election
Oct 11, 2006 Filed in: Reform
Campaign 4Q06
The following is a Blogjack from Talega resident, parent, attorney and long-suffering NY Jets fan Mike Winsten:
I hope you don't mind me contacting you this way. I am writing because you live in the Capistrano Unified School District, and for the first time ever, I am reaching out to support candidates in a local race for public office.
As you may be aware, I'm proud to be at the forefront of the fight to reform the Capistrano Unified School District, for oh so many reasons. I am writing to request that you strongly consider voting for challengers Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen for the 3 CUSD Trustee seats up for re-election on November 6, 2006. An informative campaign flyer is attached. Read More...
Plot to Present Partisan Candidate Forum Uncovered
Sep 29, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Public
Forums
CUSD Incumbents Involved In Latest Attempt to Deceive
the Public
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. A plot to deceive the public into believing that an upcoming “Candidates Forum” is a legitimate, unbiased event has been uncovered.
Evidence discovered by
the CUSD Recall Committee clearly demonstrates the
proposed Candidate’s Forum (scheduled for next
Tuesday, October 3) is not an impartial event – it
has been completely manufactured by, and is biased
in favor of, the incumbents who are running for
re-election to the CUSD Board of Trustees.
Read
More...
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. A plot to deceive the public into believing that an upcoming “Candidates Forum” is a legitimate, unbiased event has been uncovered.
Voter Registrar Braces for Onslaught of Complaints
Republican Party Endorses Capo Unified “ABC Reform Slate”
Sep 21, 2006 Filed in: Endorsements
| Reform
Campaign 4Q06
Orange, CA. Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen, the three reform candidates running for the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees as the “ABC Reform Slate” have each been officially endorsed by the Orange County Republican Party.
Addonizio, Bryson & Christensen are also endorsed by The CUSD Recall Committee.
Read More...
Report makes excuses for registrar
Irregularities in handling Capo recall petitions are
still not satisfactorily explained
Editorial, The Orange County
Register The Orange County Board
of Supervisors has seemed reluctant to tackle a
potentially serious problem in one of the most
important offices in the county: the Registrar of
Voters. If the registrar is not operating
efficiently or fairly, the public could start to
question the validity of the entire election
process. It would be troubling to head down that
road.
Current registrar Neal Kelley has come under fire after the Register reported on mistakes and even a possible illegality in how he handled a recent failed attempt to put a recall election on the ballot. The matter concerned signatures handed in by supporters of a recall of the Capistrano Unified School Board and has been unusually contentious largely because of the sense that the registrar didn't handle the election professionally.
Read More...
Current registrar Neal Kelley has come under fire after the Register reported on mistakes and even a possible illegality in how he handled a recent failed attempt to put a recall election on the ballot. The matter concerned signatures handed in by supporters of a recall of the Capistrano Unified School Board and has been unusually contentious largely because of the sense that the registrar didn't handle the election professionally.
Read More...
Your tax dollars at work
In case you missed Sam Miller's story, the Capistrano Unified School District trustees voted last night to hire a $400/hour attorney to represent former Superintendent James Fleming in investigations being conducted by the distict attorney and the county grand jury. Fleming resigned at the end of last month amid growing controversy. The Total Buzz dossier on the matter is here. Read More...
Capo crossed a line
Sep 04, 2006 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | Racial
Gerrymandering
Court says school district’s racial gerrymander
violated
Proposition 209
Editorial, The Orange County
Register Capistrano Unified
School District Superintendent James Fleming retired
under a cloud of controversy, Orange County Superior
Court Judge Gail Andler issued a ruling Aug. 25 that
is the equivalent of the door hitting Mr. Fleming on
the backside as he left the building. The judge
ruled that Capo Unified’s racially gerrymandered
school attendance boundaries violate Proposition
209, which bans state and local governments from
discriminating on the basis of race or
ethnicity. Read
More...
Proposition 209
Capistrano Unified Appoints Interim Superintendent
Aug 25, 2006 Filed in: Superintendents
Contact: Beverly de Nicola, Communications, (949) 234-9427
The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees announced this evening the appointment of Charles E. McCully as interim superintendent effective August 31. Mr. McCully replaces Dr. James A. Fleming, who is retiring after 15-years as Capistrano Unified’s superintendent. Read More...
Capistrano needs a new lesson plan
Aug 21, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming |
Superintendents
Now that the superintendent is retiring, it’s time for
new life on the school board, too
Editorial, The Orange County
Register Nothing but bad news has
come from the Capistrano Unified School District
over the course of the summer, with the latest story
coming last week. Investigators from the Orange
County District Attorney’s Office showed up at
Capistrano district headquarters with a search
warrant and seized computers used by Superintendent
James Fleming’s assistant. Several district
employees also appeared before the grand jury after
being served with subpoenas.
An investigation doesn’t mean guilt, of course, but there have been many troubling revelations about how Mr. Fleming and the board of trustees have been running the district. It’s a story of power and arrogance, and the unraveling of the administration contains warnings for other districts. Read More...
An investigation doesn’t mean guilt, of course, but there have been many troubling revelations about how Mr. Fleming and the board of trustees have been running the district. It’s a story of power and arrogance, and the unraveling of the administration contains warnings for other districts. Read More...
CUSD “Independent” Investigator Has Conflict of Interest
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Today, the CUSD Recall Committee sent a letter to the CUSD Trustees demanding they immediately relieve Judge Stuart Waldrip of his duties as CUSD’s “independent” investigator. The CUSD Recall Committee has discovered that Judge Stuart T. Waldrip was a senior partner with the law firm of Rutan & Tucker – CUSD’s primary law firm. Waldrip worked at Rutan & Tucker for thirteen years (from 1967 to 1979)! This obvious conflict of interest disqualifies Judge Waldrip from acting as CUSD’s independent investigator.
Read More...
“Reforming CUSD: Easy as ABC”
Aug 16, 2006 Filed in: Reform
Campaign 4Q06
Addonizio,
Bryson & Christensen endorsed by CUSD Recall
Committee
San Juan Capistrano, CA. Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen have each filed with the Orange County Registrar to run for a position on the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees in this November’s elections. The CUSD Recall Committee proudly endorses Addonizio Bryson & Christensen.
San Juan Capistrano, CA. Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen have each filed with the Orange County Registrar to run for a position on the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees in this November’s elections. The CUSD Recall Committee proudly endorses Addonizio Bryson & Christensen.
Ellen
Addonizio, Anna Bryson, Larry
Christensen
Superintendent Fleming’s Real Legacy
Aug 14, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Arroyo
Vista K-8 | Budget
| Conflicts,
Nepotism |
Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Enemies List
Claims |
Facilities,
Equity |
Investigations
| Measure A
Fraud |
Overcrowding
| Portable
Classrooms | Press
Release |
Registrar of
Voters |
School
Bonds
CUSD Recall Committee Demands Fleming Be Removed
Immediately
Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA. CUSD Superintendent
James Fleming has “resigned” in disgrace. “This
moves us one step closer to restoring honesty,
integrity and accountability into our public
school system,” said Thomas Russell, spokesperson
for the CUSD Recall Committee.
A. Immediate Disciplinary Action Must Be Taken.
Very serious allegations involving criminal activity have been leveled against Fleming (and possibly the Trustees). An overwhelming amount
of evidence supporting these allegations has been made public. Given these facts, we believe Fleming cannot be allowed to serve another day as the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District. Read More...
A. Immediate Disciplinary Action Must Be Taken.
Very serious allegations involving criminal activity have been leveled against Fleming (and possibly the Trustees). An overwhelming amount
of evidence supporting these allegations has been made public. Given these facts, we believe Fleming cannot be allowed to serve another day as the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District. Read More...
Investigators Raid CUSD Headquarters
Search Warrants Served on Scandal Ridden School
District
San Juan Capistrano. The CUSD Recall Committee announces that investigators armed with search warrants are raiding the headquarters of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Thomas
Russell, spokesperson for the
CUSD Recall Committee, the organization that led
the unprecedented recall campaign, confirmed that
committee leaders who have been working closely
with D.A. investigators for nearly a year had been
notified that search warrants had been obtained
and were about to be executed. Read
More...
San Juan Capistrano. The CUSD Recall Committee announces that investigators armed with search warrants are raiding the headquarters of the Capistrano Unified School District.
CUSD Lawsuit Set For Hearing
Aug 09, 2006 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | Racial
Gerrymandering
Talega resident, attorney and all-around great guy Mike Winsten is getting his day in court.
On behalf of all Talega residents, he sued the Capistrano Unified School District claiming that their plan to bus high school age Talega residents to SJC (rather than allow them to attend San Clemente High School) is in violation of Prop 209. Read More...
The real outrage isn't Fleming's son
Sure, this is an outrageous case of nepotism and alleged corruption, whereby the son of Capo Superintendent James Fleming earned as much as $101 an hour digging ditches for a school contractor. Heck, that's nothing ... only about a third of what his Dad earns from taxpayers! As my editor points out, the real outrage is that this is what school districts are forced to pay for labor thanks to union work rules. School districts and other government agencies are always complaining that they don't have enough money and that parents are too stingy to constantly raise their taxes for new schools ... yet this is the type of union feather-bedding government agencies pay for. Read More...
Republicans Refuse to Endorse CUSD Trustees -- Again
Incumbents Have Been Tarnished By Recall, District
Attorney Investigation and Scandals
Orange, CA. The Endorsements Committee of the OC Republican Central Committee met tonight for the purpose of considering whether to recommend the endorsement of the three CUSD Trustees that must run for re-election in November (John Casabianca, Crystal Kochendorfer and Sheila Henness). Once again, the trustees were rejected.
Orange, CA. The Endorsements Committee of the OC Republican Central Committee met tonight for the purpose of considering whether to recommend the endorsement of the three CUSD Trustees that must run for re-election in November (John Casabianca, Crystal Kochendorfer and Sheila Henness). Once again, the trustees were rejected.
John
Casabiance, Crystal Kochendorfer, Shelia
Henness
CUSD Trustees Fail To Relieve Superintendent Fleming From His Duties
Jul 30, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Investigations
| Open Meetings
Law |
Press
Release |
Superintendents
• CUSD Recall Committee: Trustees Should Invite District Attorney to Investigate.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Yesterday, the CUSD Trustees once again failed their constituents.
For more than three weeks, each of seven CUSD Trustees have refused to take any meaningful corrective action in response to the allegations and evidence of the Superintendent’s unethical and illegal activities. During the Board of Trustees meeting yesterday, a meeting that was supposed to be focused upon these issues, they failed to protect their constituents, they failed to hold Superintendent Fleming accountable, and they spent a good portion of their meeting praising Superintendent Fleming. Read More...
OC Register's Greenhut hopes Neal Kelley will resign due to illegal acts and favoritism
Jul 30, 2006 Filed in: Registrar of
Voters
Greenhut is senior editorial writier and columnist for The Orange County Register.
Good riddance to Fleming
Jul 24, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Culture of
Corruption | Eminent
Domain |
Enemies List
Claims |
Racial
Gerrymandering | Superintendents
Capistrano Unified Superintendent James Fleming epitomized the arrogance that comes with excessive power. He stepped down after the Register reported that the district had compiled an enemies list of those who supported a school board recall. Fleming denied such a thing, then later admitted that he had a list, but claimed -- one of the most unbelievable claims I've heard in a long time -- that he compiled the data on parents and their children out of concern that they might be hacking into district computers. Talk about paranoia and deception. Read More...
Superintendent Fleming “Resigns” In Disgrace
Jul 19, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Budget
| Culture of
Corruption | Elected
Officials | Enemies List
Claims |
Facilities,
Equity |
Measure A
Fraud |
Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Overcrowding
| Portable
Classrooms | Press
Release |
Registrar of
Voters |
School
Bonds |
San
Juan Hills HS | Superintendents
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. CUSD Superintendent James Fleming has “resigned” in disgrace. “This moves us one step closer to restoring honesty, integrity and accountability into our public school system,” said Thomas Russell, spokesperson for the CUSD Recall Committee.
In announcing his resignation, Fleming posted three self-serving, self-aggrandizing and misleading statements on the CUSD official website. In summary, those statements provided: Read More...
Republican Central Committee Refuses to Endorse CUSD Trustees
Irvine, CA. The Republican Central Committee met tonight for the purpose of providing early endorsements to sitting Republican incumbents across Orange County. Generally speaking, all Orange County Republican incumbents in good standing receive the political party’s endorsement in a single, routine, “consent calendar” vote. However, there was nothing routine about tonight’s vote as far as the three CUSD Trustee incumbents were concerned. The Republican Central Committee refused to provide an early endorsement to any of the three CUSD Trustees that must run for re-election in November (John Casabianca, Crystal Kochendorfer and Sheila Henness). Read More...
RSM City Council Demands Superintendent Fleming Be Fired
Some Council Members Call For Trustees To Resign
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. At Wednesday night’s Rancho Santa Margarita City Council meeting, every member of the City Council spoke out about the current scandals that have rocked CUSD.
Mincing no words, four members of the RSM City Council publicly called for the CUSD Trustees to fire Superintendent James Fleming. City Council Members Gary Thompson, Neil Blais, Jerry Holloway and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Beall each expressed disdain for Superintendent Fleming’s involvement in the current CUSD “Enemies List” scandal.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. At Wednesday night’s Rancho Santa Margarita City Council meeting, every member of the City Council spoke out about the current scandals that have rocked CUSD.
Mincing no words, four members of the RSM City Council publicly called for the CUSD Trustees to fire Superintendent James Fleming. City Council Members Gary Thompson, Neil Blais, Jerry Holloway and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Beall each expressed disdain for Superintendent Fleming’s involvement in the current CUSD “Enemies List” scandal.
Gary
Thompson, Neil Blais, Jerry Holloway, Tony
Beall
Outside investigations in order for CUSD, registrar
Jul 12, 2006 Filed in: Coersion,
Intimidation | Enemies List
Claims |
Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
Draper denies existence of enemies list & infiltration of Registrar's office after one-day "investigation"
Jul 12, 2006 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming
Didn't Happen
By Jonathan Volzke
Editor, (949) 248-2296
The Capistrano Dispatch
![Draper 15_2[1]_2](files/page26_blog_entry103_summary_1.jpg)
School Board President
Marlene Draper said school officials did not
compile a hit list against parents supporting the
recall, nor did Superintendent James Fleming
dispatch any staffers to review the signed
recalled petitions. She said the district has
looked into the allegations -- reported in two
front-page stories in the Orange County Register
-- and found no evidence they're true. Draper made
the statement before a dozen or so parents
criticized trustees and Fleming -- many calling
for his ouster. The meeting was so raucous that
trustees retreated to a back room while a security
official negotiated a way to calm parents.
Read
More...
By Jonathan Volzke
Editor, (949) 248-2296
The Capistrano Dispatch
An enemies list at Capistrano Unified
Jul 11, 2006 Filed in: Enemies List
Claims |
Express
Advocacy |
Legal
Proceedings | People vs
Fleming
School district’s Orwellian monitoring of
recall-supporting parents is no small
matter
Editorial, The Orange County
Register The Register reported on
Monday that the Capistrano Unified School District
“kept lists of 150 families who supported last
year’s board recall campaign, detailing such
personal information as where their children went to
school.”
This is a chilling abuse of power that should be thoroughly investigated by the county district attorney. One parent, appropriately enough, called the behavior “Nixonish.” Read More...
This is a chilling abuse of power that should be thoroughly investigated by the county district attorney. One parent, appropriately enough, called the behavior “Nixonish.” Read More...
Fleming should be fired; victims should find good civil rights attorney
Jul 10, 2006 Filed in: Enemies List
Claims |
Legal
Proceedings
The Register's front-page article today details an outrageous abuse of power that should result in a DA investigation, civil rights lawsuits against the Capistrano Unified School District and the firing of its arrogant superintendent James Fleming.
Read "School district kept tabs on parents."
Posted at 10:32 AM
Read More...
CUSD Trustees and Superintendent engage in improper coercion, intimidation and fear
Jul 10, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Coersion,
Intimidation | Culture of
Corruption | Eminent
Domain |
Election
Laws |
Express
Advocacy |
Measure
CC |
Open
Meetings Law | Racial
Gerrymandering | Redevelopment
Funds |
Registrar of
Voters |
Special
Needs
• Superintendent Fleming Has Created a Mafia-like
Organization and Infrastructure
• Specific Examples of Coercion, Intimidation and Fear
• We call upon the District Attorney to conduct a full and complete investigation
Superintendent James
A. Fleming and the seven CUSD Trustees have
institutionalized a district-wide atmosphere where
parents, teachers and administrators are afraid to
speak out for fear of retaliation. They improperly
use their official office/capacity to
intentionally create an environment within the
district that makes it virtually impossible for
any one to express disagreement with the district
without being subjected to retribution or the
threat thereof. The CUSD leadership routinely
punishes (or threatens to punish) parents and
their children, teachers and administrators who
dare to speak out against them or their agenda.
Conversely, the CUSD leadership rewards those who
are loyal and willing to carry out their “dirty
work.” Read
More...
• Specific Examples of Coercion, Intimidation and Fear
• We call upon the District Attorney to conduct a full and complete investigation
OC Register Plans Story About CUSD "Enemies List"
CUSD Recall Committee Urges OC Register Not To Publish
Names
San Juan Capistrano, CA. The CUSD Recall Committee has learned that Sam Miller and the Orange County Register plan to publish a story about a database that was kept by someone in the Capistrano Unified School District. The database includes the names, email addresses and some other personal information for people who early on were associated with the recall -- in particular, people who were on the recall group's electronic mailing list.
Read More...
San Juan Capistrano, CA. The CUSD Recall Committee has learned that Sam Miller and the Orange County Register plan to publish a story about a database that was kept by someone in the Capistrano Unified School District. The database includes the names, email addresses and some other personal information for people who early on were associated with the recall -- in particular, people who were on the recall group's electronic mailing list.
Read More...
“Reforming CUSD: Easy as ABC”
Jun 29, 2006 Filed in: Press
Release |
Reform
Campaign 4Q06
Addonizio, Brick & Christensen endorsed by CUSD
Recall Committee
San Juan Capistrano, CA. Ellen Addonizio, Jack Brick and Larry Christensen have each declared their intention to run for a position on the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees in this November’s elections. Today, the CUSD Recall Committee officially endorsed Addonizio, Brick & Christensen.
After an exhaustive search for the very best candidates, the CUSD Recall Committee is confident that Addonizio, Brick & Christensen will put the best interests of the children and the taxpayers above all other interests in each decision they make. We are also confident these reform candidates will ask the tough questions, hold the CUSD administrative staff accountable for their actions, and work to create a transparent organization that is responsive to the community. Read More...
San Juan Capistrano, CA. Ellen Addonizio, Jack Brick and Larry Christensen have each declared their intention to run for a position on the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees in this November’s elections. Today, the CUSD Recall Committee officially endorsed Addonizio, Brick & Christensen.
After an exhaustive search for the very best candidates, the CUSD Recall Committee is confident that Addonizio, Brick & Christensen will put the best interests of the children and the taxpayers above all other interests in each decision they make. We are also confident these reform candidates will ask the tough questions, hold the CUSD administrative staff accountable for their actions, and work to create a transparent organization that is responsive to the community. Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee To Unveil Identities of Three Reform Candidates
Jun 28, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
City Tax
Audits |
Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Overcrowding
| Press
Release |
Redevelopment
Funds |
Reform
Campaign 4Q06
Media Event. This coming
Thursday afternoon, representatives of the CUSD Recall
Committee, the grass roots group of parents and
concerned taxpayers that have led the widespread effort
throughout South Orange County to recall all seven
trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District will
announce the identities of three reform candidates.
These candidates will challenge the three CUSD
incumbents who must run for re-election in this
November’s elections. All television, radio and print
media are encouraged to attend.
Date: Thursday, June 29
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: At the Front Driveway Entrance to the Controversial New CUSD Administration Building, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA Read More...
Date: Thursday, June 29
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: At the Front Driveway Entrance to the Controversial New CUSD Administration Building, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee Unveils New Blog
May 09, 2006 Filed in: Reform
Campaign 4Q06
“CUSD Recall Forum” Will Focus on Mismanagement and Corruption Within Capistrano Unified School District
The CUSD Recall Committee has just unveiled its official weblog/message board site – The CUSD Recall Forum.
The CUSD Recall Forum may be accessed by clicking the link at the top of the official website of the CUSD Recall Committee, www.cusdrecall.com
This exciting new blog site will become the principal internet “gathering place” where concerned parents, teachers, taxpayers and elected officials can regularly check in for updates and provocative discussion relating to the campaign to reform the Capistrano Unified School District. Read More...
$65,000,000 Measure A Bond: Fraud, Conspiracy, Misuse of Public Funds, Conflicts of Interest, Brown Act Violations
May 01, 2006 Filed in: Arroyo Vista
K-8 |
Culture of
Corruption | Measure A
Fraud |
Measure
CC |
Open
Meetings Law
• 25% of funds improperly diverted to Fleming pet
project
• District employee improperly chaired Oversight
Committee meeting
• Oversight Committee disbanded with $20 million still
unspent
• Oversight Committee members had financial conflicts
of interest
• More Brown Act violations
On
November 2, 1999, voters approved Measure A – a
$65,000,000 bond measure designed to repair and
modernize aging schools, bring them up to current
earthquake standards, build four new schools, including
a new middle school in San Juan Capistrano and a new
high school, and new classrooms throughout the district
to relieve overcrowding and solve problems associated
with portables, which had covered so many playgrounds,
the children lacked places to play.
The ballot measure (and legal bond documents) required
that an “Independent” Oversight Committee be
established to supervise spending of the bond proceeds.
That Oversight Committee was convened on December 15,
1999 when CUSD appointed eleven (11) members. After
carefully reviewing the ballot measure and minutes from
the Oversight Committee meetings, it appears that CUSD
officials made numerous false statements to the public
and to Oversight Committee members, several committee
members had financial conflicts of interest, and Brown
Act violations occurred.
Trouble at the O.C. Registrar?
Apr 07, 2006 Filed in: C4BR vs OC
ROV |
Legal
Proceedings | Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
I'm glad that the proponents of a recall of the Capistrano Unified School District board have filed a lawsuit against the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Parents claim that the registrar unfairly rejected their petitions, and the registrar argues that he was only following state law. The only way to resolve this is in court. I am sympathetic to the recallers and read their report alleging improprieties in the registrar's office. I can't know which side is right, given that I have not analyzed the signatures. But I do know that this needs to be looked at by an impartial party, and that if the CUSD recallers' allegations are correct, that there could be major problems in the registrar's office. Read More...
CUSD Recall Committee advises parent group and their counsel not to sue Registrar
Mar 30, 2006 Filed in: C4BR vs OC
ROV |
Legal
Proceedings
• Committee deliberates and determines suit against ROV
not advisable
• C4BR rejects Committee's advice, instructs counsel to ignore Committee
• Committee sends following letter to counsel for C4BR on Mach 30, 2006
• C4BR rejects Committee's advice, instructs counsel to ignore Committee
• Committee sends following letter to counsel for C4BR on Mach 30, 2006
Mark S. Rosen, Esq.
600 W. Santa Ana Boulevard
Suite 900
Santa Ana, California 92701-4555
Re: Potential Legal Action Relating to CUSD Recall
Petitions
Dear Mr. Rosen:
We understand that Becky Bauer, Kim Lefner and Kevin
Murphy (collectively, your Clients) have approached you
for the purpose of seeking a writ of mandate relating
to mistakes made by the Orange County Registrar of
Voters in refusing to certify the recall petitions
against all seven members of the CUSD Board of
Trustees. The purpose of this letter is to confirm that
the CUSD Recall Committee does not support the proposed
legal action. We would also like to make you aware of
certain critical facts relating to the CUSD Recall
campaign and the actions that have and are being taken
by the CUSD Recall Committee.
Parents Declare War on School Board
Mar 25, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Culture of
Corruption | Developer
Deals |
Election
Laws |
Measure
CC |
San
Juan Hills HS
California’s shadow government
Mar 16, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Public
Records Laws
A watchdog group tests state agencies’ compliance with
open-records law; many fail
Editorial, The Orange County
Register This is Sunshine Week –
observed not to celebrate our weather but to focus
attention on the rights of citizens to have ready
access to public records. Unfortunately, like our
overcast skies in recent days, not that much
sunshine has been breaking through the operations of
government.
A report released Tuesday by Californians Aware, a group that defends citizens’ rights to examine government, found that almost every state agency it examined failed to comply with state full-disclosure laws. Read More...
A report released Tuesday by Californians Aware, a group that defends citizens’ rights to examine government, found that almost every state agency it examined failed to comply with state full-disclosure laws. Read More...
A court should vote
Mar 12, 2006 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
Capistrano petition flap needs an impartial review
Editorial, The Orange County
Register Both sides in the 2000
Bush v. Gore battle over hanging chads believe
election results were finagled for partisan reasons,
rather than evaluated fairly. Whatever one’s view of
that case, we all should agree that standards should
be fair and evenly applied. Anything less is harmful
to democracy.
Orange County is now immersed in an election-related battle with some similarities to that national case. On Nov. 8, 2005, a committee organized to recall all seven members of the Capistrano Unified School District board submitted 177,000 signatures to the county registrar. The group needed 142,947 signatures, or 20,421 signatures per board member. Read More...
Orange County is now immersed in an election-related battle with some similarities to that national case. On Nov. 8, 2005, a committee organized to recall all seven members of the Capistrano Unified School District board submitted 177,000 signatures to the county registrar. The group needed 142,947 signatures, or 20,421 signatures per board member. Read More...
CUSD Systematically and Fraudulently Violates the California Public Records Act
Mar 07, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Public
Records Laws
CUSD routinely
withholds public record information in violation of the
California Public Records Act from citizens who request
such information. CUSD appears to apply a double
standard in its treatment of public records requests,
favoring requests from the media and discriminating
against requests from the general public. It’s not
unusual for CUSD to provide next day service to members
of the media, while members of the general public often
wait weeks or months for the same information.
Read
More...
CUSD Trustees Engaged In A Conspiracy to Violate Election Laws
Mar 07, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Election
Laws
![Draper 15_2[1]_2](files/page26_blog_entry101_summary_1.jpg)
The truth about portables: CUSD has systematically and fraudulently violationed state environmental laws
Mar 07, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Facilities
Planning |
Overcrowding
| Portable
Classrooms
• CUSD improperly filed multiple Title 14
Exemptions
• Completely ignored CEQA requirements
• Caused overcrowded and unsafe conditions
• Continues to engage in cover-up schemes
CUSD has
systematically, continually (an oftentimes in
patently fraudulent manner) violated California
law by expanding existing school sites to
astonishing, unsafe and illegal levels. For years,
CUSD has been illegally placing portable
classrooms on the playground areas of schools
without adhering to the safeguard and analyses
required by the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). David Doomey, CUSD Assistant
Superintendent in charge Facilities Planning,
personally processed and approved virtually all of
these patently illegal (and oftentimes fraudulent)
actions. Read
More...
• Completely ignored CEQA requirements
• Caused overcrowded and unsafe conditions
• Continues to engage in cover-up schemes
Falsifying Attendance Records
Mar 07, 2006 Filed in: Attendance
Issues |
Culture of
Corruption
Fraud for the purpose of receiving state
funding
We have received credible reports of CUSD school administrators intentionally falsifying attendance records for the purpose of obtaining State funding that CUSD otherwise would not have been entitled to receive. State funding for schools is based on average daily attendance (ADA). If a student is absent, the school district does not receive money for that child. Therefore, it literally pays for a school district to inflate attendance records to gain funding that they wouldn’t otherwise be entitled to receive. Although there are undoubtedly many, many examples, we have summarized two compelling cases where students were marked as “in attendance” when they were actually absent for extended periods of time for medical reasons. Read More...
We have received credible reports of CUSD school administrators intentionally falsifying attendance records for the purpose of obtaining State funding that CUSD otherwise would not have been entitled to receive. State funding for schools is based on average daily attendance (ADA). If a student is absent, the school district does not receive money for that child. Therefore, it literally pays for a school district to inflate attendance records to gain funding that they wouldn’t otherwise be entitled to receive. Although there are undoubtedly many, many examples, we have summarized two compelling cases where students were marked as “in attendance” when they were actually absent for extended periods of time for medical reasons. Read More...
RSM City Councilmember urges voters to replace Fleming-trustees Casabianca, Henness & Kochendorfer in November
Mar 03, 2006 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption | Reform
Campaign 4Q06
For far too long, the CUSD Trustees have been given a free pass. And just like any other government that has had no accountability at the ballot box, there is generally a migration to corruption in the organization. While the children languish in broken down, ancient and decrepit portable classrooms, and parents have to buy supplies for teachers because there aren't any provided by the district, the Trustees and the administration build themselves a $52,000,000 building for their bureaucracy. What is even more frightening is this building started out at $25,000,000 and has over doubled in cost.
This is the state of the Capistrano Unified School District today. And it is time for a change. Join me in encouraging new leadership to emerge among the ranks of the south county population to bring new faces and new energy, and most importantly, new accountability to this school district. There are three Trustees up for re-election this year. It is anticipated that all three will run again. But they will have competition this time, and I would urge any and all to support those new candidates that emerge, and help win back this school district for those that depend on it the most, for the children. Read More...
No wonder CUSD officials were so testy
Mar 02, 2006 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
A few weeks back, I was on Airtalk with Larry Mantle on KPCC, for the biweekly segment on Orange County with OC Weekly's Gustavo Arellano and the L.A. Times' Jean Pasco. The Capistrano Unified School District's flak was given a few minutes to vent at us for a previous segment that was critical of that district, its spending priorities and so forth. Gustavo called the district corrupt, and the flak was absolutely irate. He wanted an apology. Read More...
O.C. Registrar’s Rejection of CUSD Recall Petitions Questioned
Mar 01, 2006 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
Inspection Demonstrates Thousands of Signatures
Improperly Rejected
Last December, many people were shocked when the Orange County
Registrar’s Office
announced they had decided not to certify the
petitions to recall all seven Trustees of the
Capistrano Unified School District. What went
wrong?
The CUSD Recall Committee sent teams of inspectors to the Registrar’s Office to find out. They reviewed the petition signatures rejected by the Registrar. The inspection has been completed and the results are quite alarming.
The Orange County Registrar improperly rejected thousands of petition signatures, thereby disenfranchising thousands of registered voters.
Last December, many people were shocked when the Orange County
The CUSD Recall Committee sent teams of inspectors to the Registrar’s Office to find out. They reviewed the petition signatures rejected by the Registrar. The inspection has been completed and the results are quite alarming.
The Orange County Registrar improperly rejected thousands of petition signatures, thereby disenfranchising thousands of registered voters.
Orange County Registrar
Neal Kelly
CUSD Leadership Under Investigation
An investigation into allegations of illegal activities at the Capistrano Unified School District has been commenced. The Orange County District Attorney’s office is leading the investigation.
This past summer, residents throughout South Orange County sought to recall the entire school board based upon allegations of corruption and gross fiscal mismanagement. More than 177,000 petition signatures seeking to remove the Trustees from office were delivered to the Orange County Registrar of Voters.
Susan Schroeder, spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office confirmed the District Attorney has assigned a Deputy District Attorney to the case. Schroeder also stated, “We are reviewing the evidence and witness statements.” Read More...
Taxpayers in school bondage
Jan 23, 2006 Filed in: City Tax
Audits |
School
Bonds
Anaheim’s textbook case of wasted money
Editorial, The Orange County
Register There is a fundamental
debate going on about public education. Almost
everyone agrees that the schools in general are
failing in myriad ways, but the agreement pretty
much ends there.
One side believes that schools simply aren’t getting enough money, even though school funding consumes more than 40 percent of California’s general fund. The other side argues that schools have plenty of money, but that the money is misspent on bureaucracy, and schools lack competition and oversight. Read More...
One side believes that schools simply aren’t getting enough money, even though school funding consumes more than 40 percent of California’s general fund. The other side argues that schools have plenty of money, but that the money is misspent on bureaucracy, and schools lack competition and oversight. Read More...
Stupid In America: How We Cheat Our Kids
Jan 09, 2006 Filed in: Administration
Building
• John Stossel Looks at How U.S. Public Schools Are
Failing Kids
• Cites CUSD's new admin building as egregious example of government waste
Jan.
9, 2006 — American
students fizzle in international comparisons,
placing 18th in reading, 22nd in science and 28th
in math — behind countries like Poland, Australia
and Korea. But why? Are American kids less
intelligent? John Stossel looks at the ways the
U.S. public education system cheats students out
of a quality education in "Stupid in America: How
We Cheat Our Kids," airing this Friday at 10
p.m. Read
More...
• Cites CUSD's new admin building as egregious example of government waste
Waldrip not impartial, but facts have vindicated Smollar and proven Fleming a liar
Jan 09, 2006 Filed in: Investigations
| Quotes
David Smollar, The Orange County
Register "I don't believe
Waldrip has proven himself to be an impartial judge.
Everything I've said in any context has been proven
factual. Most, if not all the things, Fleming said
in denial have been proven
false."
Whistleblower and former CUSD Communications Director Smollar's initial reaction to the Waldrip investigation report.
Whistleblower and former CUSD Communications Director Smollar's initial reaction to the Waldrip investigation report.
Waldrip report revealed two enemies lists
Volzke is the publisher of the Capistrano Dispatch.
CUSD Recall Leaders: “This Battle is Not Over”
Dec 22, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06
San Juan Capistrano, CA: Today, leaders of the CUSD Recall Committee were informed by the Orange County Registrar’s Office that the Registrar had not certified the recall petition against the seven trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District. The CUSD Recall Committee is the grass roots group of parents and concerned taxpayers that led the widespread effort throughout South Orange County to recall all seven CUSD trustees. They recently submitted more than 175,000 recall petition signatures to the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Read More...
School District Avoids Full Disclosure
Dec 05, 2005 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption
School Corruption Sparks Citizen Revolt
Dec 05, 2005 Filed in: Culture of
Corruption
Read More...
Full Disclosure Network releases first program on CUSD Recall
Dec 04, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06
This is a momentous event – there has never been a recall in the history of CUSD – and now the national news media has taken note of this citizen revolt. Read More...
Cost of CUSD administration building balloons to $52 million! True sources of funding finally revealed.
Nov 14, 2005 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Certificates
of Participation | Cost
Overruns |
Mello-Roos
Taxes |
Redevelopment
Funds
A blockbuster article by the Orange County Register confirms that this extravagant project ultimately will cost $52 million, more than twice the amount originally announced by CUSD. That's right, the CUSD Trustees chose to spend 52 million taxpayer dollars to house approximately 300 administrators in San Juan Capistrano while thousands of children languish in decrepit portable classrooms.
Read More...
More than 175,000 Petition Signatures to Recall Entire CUSD Board of Trustees Submitted to OC Registrar of Voters
Nov 08, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
This is a momentous event – there has never been a recall in the history of CUSD. Read More...
Text of Comments Made By Capo for Better Representation at the Offices of the Orange County Registrar Of Voters
Nov 07, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
Petitions To Recall Entire Capistrano Unified School Board Will Be Submitted To Orange County Registrar Of Voters
Nov 04, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06 | Registrar of
Voters
Media Event: This coming Monday
afternoon, representatives of Capo for Better
Representation, the grass roots group of parents and
concerned taxpayers that have led the widespread effort
throughout South Orange County to recall all seven
trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District will
submit the signed recall petitions to the Orange County
Registrar of Voters. All of the boxes of signed
petitions will be displayed for the media prior to
submission to the Registrar. Public Statements will be
delivered by
Thomas Russell (Spokesperson, Capo for
Better Representation) and
Kevin Murphy (Chairman, Capo for Better
Representation). All television, radio and print media
are encouraged to attend.
Date: Monday, November 7
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Registrar of Voters, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (at the corner of Grand Avenue and McFadden)
Read More...
Date: Monday, November 7
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Registrar of Voters, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (at the corner of Grand Avenue and McFadden)
Read More...
PLF Fights To Stop School District From Color-Coding Kids
Aug 01, 2005 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | Racial
Gerrymandering
The following op-ed was co-written by Harold Johnson, a PLF attorney, and Arthur B. Mark III, a former PLF attorney.
Like Rip Van Winkle, administrators at Capistrano Unified School District apparently missed some big news. They’re acting as if Proposition 209, the 1996 initiative that forbids race-based policies in California schools, was never put on the books. The district recently redrew attendance boundaries in a disruptive way that uses students’ skin color, in part, to determine where they will go to school. Read More...
Parents Sue Capistrano Unified School District Over Racially Based High School Boundaries That Violate Prop. 209
Jun 16, 2005 Filed in: Legal
Proceedings | Racial
Gerrymandering
New CUSD Administration Building to Cost $35 Million
Jun 13, 2005 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Cost
Overruns
In a new Information Bulletin published by Superintendent Fleming on June 16th, the total cost of the new District Administration Building is now estimated at $35 million! On April 26th the Superintendent published a in which he stated that the new District Administration Building "is built with some $20 million." That is an additional $15 million (75% increase) that is being spent on the administrators, instead of improving the schools for our kids. How much more money will be taken away from the kids before the building is actually completed? Read More...
The Truth About Portables
Jun 12, 2005 Filed in: Cost
Overruns |
Culture of
Corruption | Facilities
Planning |
Portable
Classrooms
For a long time, the CUSD Trustees and Superintendent have defended their excessive reliance on portable classrooms on their representation that up to one third of all classrooms are required to be portables by law. Since other local school districts had chosen to go a different direction, making permanent structures their priority, something about CUSD's representation didn't seem right. Since facts matter, we researched the issue and it didn't take long to confirm that the Trustees and Superintendent have misinformed us once again. Read More...
The $133 Million Lie
The Dirty Little Secret About CUSD’s New Administration Building
Jun 07, 2005 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Certificates
of Participation | Redevelopment
Funds
Based on everything we have heard from school district officials, one would think CUSD had $20 million sitting in an account earmarked to pay for its new administration building. Instead, the money has been borrowed. CUSD is hoping enough funds come in to pay back these loans. Read More...
The Truth About Redevelopment Funds
May 18, 2005 Filed in: Administration
Building |
Redevelopment
Funds
Recall Letters Of Intention To Be Served On CUSD Trustees
Apr 22, 2005 Filed in: Recall
Campaign 05-06
Media Advisory - A Political Action
Committee called Capistrano for Better Representation
will be serving formal recall letters of intention to
several members of the Capistrano Unified School
District Board of Trustees.
Members of the Capistrano for Better Representation PAC will be serving recall intentions at the regularly scheduled CUSD Board meeting to be held:
Monday, April 25th 2005 at 7:00pm
Jerome R. Thornsley Education Center,
32972 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano.
Press availability to follow the event.
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Members of the Capistrano for Better Representation PAC will be serving recall intentions at the regularly scheduled CUSD Board meeting to be held:
Monday, April 25th 2005 at 7:00pm
Jerome R. Thornsley Education Center,
32972 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano.
Press availability to follow the event.
Read More...
RSM Councilmember Thompson weighs in on Arroyo Vista Park joint use issue: City should step in to protect residents
• CUSD - stop interfering with our community
• Residents - please respect SAMLARC’s decision to protect Arroyo Vista Park
By
Gary Thompson
Councilmember, City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Thank you Mayor, members of the council.
I have requested this item tonight for discussion, quite frankly, because I continue to be deeply disturbed by the tenor of animosity within this community that has overcome what should be a respectful, civil dialogue over accessibility to Arroyo Vista Park. The deep hostility that has manifested itself within the residents of this community, pitting neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, and child against child, can no longer be tolerated by this city. When people are being threatened, intimidated and harassed, we as our city’s leaders, must be diligent in our efforts in bringing this issue to resolution.
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• Residents - please respect SAMLARC’s decision to protect Arroyo Vista Park
Councilmember, City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Thank you Mayor, members of the council.
I have requested this item tonight for discussion, quite frankly, because I continue to be deeply disturbed by the tenor of animosity within this community that has overcome what should be a respectful, civil dialogue over accessibility to Arroyo Vista Park. The deep hostility that has manifested itself within the residents of this community, pitting neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, and child against child, can no longer be tolerated by this city. When people are being threatened, intimidated and harassed, we as our city’s leaders, must be diligent in our efforts in bringing this issue to resolution.
Read More...
Draper makes sarcastic remarks to anti-school expansion crowd
Trustee Draper made this sarcastic remark to rebut the crowd's vocal disapproval of the district's proposed expansion of Arroyo Vista School at the March 9, 2003 Board of Trustees meeting, where local residents made public comments unanimously opposing the district's expansion plans. The meeting was carefully controlled by district officials to avoid discussion of the actual issues of concern to residents (i.e., overbuilding on such a small school site, unsafe traffic and other impacts on the local community, increased usage of the adjacent community park, etc.). Public speakers were kept to one minute instead of the usual three minutes for public comments to squelch community input. Those who tried to speak were met with sharp reminders from officials that the evening's discussion was centered on K-8s in general, not Arroyo Vista in particular, thus effectively killing the issues that were of real concern. Draper's comment was rebuffed with defiant applause from the Arroyo Vista crowd who opposed the intrusive changes proposed by the board and staff for their school, neighborhood and park.