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CUSD Parents’ Victories Add Up We won a small (but somewhat hollow) victory at the March 7 Capistrano Unified School District board meeting. The old guard trustees actually apologized for former superintendent James Fleming's actions in creating lists, as outlined in the Waldrip Report. They then followed that up with a unanimous vote to terminate payment of Fleming's criminal defense attorney fees. The problem is, they claim they knew nothing about any of his actions – even though it was widely reported in the media and parents complained (loudly in many cases) about Fleming's damaging actions. I'm sure many of you will remember Trustee Marlene Draper's infamous response during a board meeting last summer, when parent after parent addressed the board to denounce Fleming's actions and his list, which were reported in the media. She stated firmly, "Let me reiterate, there is no list.” Well, she had to eat those words, and she not only admitted the existence of at least two lists, but she had to apologize for them as well. The denial from the board members that they knew anything about the lists or any other actions was, unfortunately, typical – which is why I say this is a somewhat hollow victory. I don't expect the trustees’ behavior to change. Had they said "We refused to listen to parents when they complained about Fleming's actions,” that would have been true and would have gone a long way toward restoring some trust. Instead, they simply refuse (still) to acknowledge that they knew ANYTHING about any of this despite the media reports, the Grand Jury investigation, parent complaints, etc. Thanks to those of you who support doing the right thing, speaking up and forcing change, however small. I hope you believe, as I do, that small victories can add up to big changes, so it's important to keep moving forward. Kim Lefner |
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