CUSD leadership under investigation – follow-up report

 As reported in The Buzz on Mar. 18, the Orange County District Attorney is investigating allegations of illegal activities at the Capistrano Unified School District. Last 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 recall petition signatures were delivered to the Orange County Registrar of Voters, but the recall effort fell short of requirements to get it on the ballot.

Thomas Russell, spokesperson for the CUSD Recall Committee that led the campaign, was gratified and hopeful, “We hope that commencement of the District Attorney’s investigation brings us one step closer to restoring honesty, integrity and accountability into our public school system.” 

Local elected officials had strong reactions to the D.A.’s investigation.

 Tony Beall, Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Pro Tem, declared, “I believe a culture of corruption exists within the ranks of the CUSD leadership. I urge the District Attorney to aggressively investigate all evidence of illegal activities and to vigorously enforce all the laws that may have been violated.”

 Mission Viejo City Councilman John Paul Ledesma said, “I am very concerned about the CUSD trustees’ use of taxpayer dollars – from the 1999 bond measure to the $52-million administration building. If there is an investigation of other issues, I trust that the District Attorney’s office will do a thorough job.”

 James V. Lacy, Dana Point city councilman, stated, "This is really a sad day for education in south Orange County. The trustees are due a presumption of innocence, but if the District Attorney's corruption investigation reveals any avarice at all in their boardroom, big changes are going to be necessary to win back the confidence of parents, teachers and the kids." 

 Rancho Santa Margarita City Councilman Gary Thompson stated, “Based on my firsthand experience and dealings with this district since we became a city, I can’t say I am surprised. It is unfortunate that the people who have suffered the most from their mismanagement of public funds have been the children.”

CUSD serves Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Wagon Wheel, Las Flores and Ladera Ranch. Approximately 50,000 children are enrolled in CUSD public schools.

For additional information, visit www.cusdrecall.com.