New Leaders Need Old-Fashioned Integrity
Letter to the editor

The last-minute shuffle of candidates for school board in the Capo district has been amazing. With incumbent Crystal Kochendorfer’s decision not to run, the November election becomes a lot more meaningful. CUSD incumbents in the past have often been unchallenged for reelection.

My hope for the election is for honest challengers to have a chance at defeating corrupt officials. The CUSD trustees have become so entrenched and well-funded, almost no one will spend the fortune it costs to run against them.

Several ethical newcomers have entered the race – the first step in setting things right at CUSD. It takes courage and money to run, and the day after the election will be no picnic even if good people win. I’ve observed the top administrators and their fawning groupies at board meetings. The corruption isn’t limited to the trustees – many others are involved in fleecing the taxpayers and then lying about it.

Part of the culture of corruption has been the promotion of Supt. James Fleming’s shills (employees or even PTA members getting cushy jobs) who have been willing to do the superintendent’s dirty work. By contrast, those at the very bottom of CUSD’s hierarchy – the teachers and students – are promoted for competence and achievement. How old-fashioned am I to expect top school officials to abide by the same standards as those at the bottom?

Connie Lee
Mission Viejo