CUSD Leadership Under Investigation
By Michael Winsten

An investigation into allegations of illegal activities at the Capistrano Unified School District has begun. 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 on 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 D.A.’s office confirmed the D.A. has assigned a deputy D.A. to the case. Schroeder added, “We are reviewing the evidence and witness statements.

CUSD is led by Supt. James A. Fleming, as well as seven elected trustees (John Casabianca, Marlene Draper, Crystal Kochendorfer, Sheila Benecke, Sheila Henness, Duane Stiff and Mike Darnold).

On Dec. 22, 2005, the Registrar announced it would not certify the recall, claiming that not enough valid signatures from registered voters had been turned in. Recall leaders are now questioning that decision.

Thomas Russell, spokesman for the CUSD Recall Committee, the organization that led the unprecedented recall campaign, was gratified and hopeful. He said, “We hope that commencement of the D.A.’s investigation brings us one step closer to restoring honesty, integrity and accountability into our public school system.”

Russell continued, “The recall campaign uncovered compelling evidence of corruption at CUSD. As a result, many citizens called upon law enforcement authorities to commence a full and complete investigation. We believe those CUSD officials who have misled our community and violated the law must be removed from office, held accountable and brought to justice.”

As of this date, the D.A. has not publicly announced details of the specific illegal activities under investigation.