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From Capstone to Millstone The almost-superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District submitted his letter of resignation on May 30. Dennis Smith, whose job was to start officially on July 1, had been working for CUSD during the past two months. Interim Superintendent Charles McCully, who filled in after James Fleming’s departure last August, is also gone. Smith’s abrupt exit seemed to surprise everyone. The full text of his resignation letter appears below. Various factions within the district selected phrases from the letter to repeat in emails and blogs. But even the full text doesn’t adequately explain why Smith would leave the job he one month ago called the “capstone” of his career. Trustee Sheila Benecke, an old-guard board member loyal to Fleming, blamed the recall group for continuing to stir things up. She responded with a lengthy statement, which is included under a separate heading in this week’s blog. One faction of the recall group pointed to last week’s indictments of Fleming and former CUSD administrator Susan McGill as the reference in Smith’s letter to “several legal controversies and leadership challenges.” Others in the community are equally focused on statements by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas during his May 24 press conference, indicating more indictments could follow. Additional charges against administrators or remaining old-guard trustees might be more than Smith wants on his plate. According to online discussions, the lead prosecuting attorney for the D.A. is returning in a few days, and grand jury findings regarding CUSD will be unsealed. If Smith left because he heard what’s coming, it must be big. Or maybe someone in CUSD’s accounting department finally told Smith what many people suspect, “We’re broke.” If that’s the case, perhaps the state would like to come in and sort things out, which could include selling the $50-million oversized Taj Mahal administration center. Following the rapid-succession departures of three chiefs – Fleming, McCully and Smith – a blog reader emailed, “Has anyone had time to use the shower in the superintendent’s office of the new building?” Dennis Smith's resignation letter: 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. However, there are indications that these problems may persist for well into the future. The conditions under which I accepted the position of superintendent have clearly changed. Given the uncertainty and instability of the current situation, any efforts on my part to launch new initiatives and improvement strategies for the district could be overshadowed by protracted, high profile divisiveness in the community. For these reasons, I am asking that the Board of Education accept my decision not to become your new superintendent. I intend to remain as superintendent of Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District. This was a very difficult decision for me personally and professionally because I believe that Capistrano Unified has a rich tradition of excellence that can form the basis for even greater achievement in the years ahead. I realize that the district will require some time to look for and retain a new superintendent or interim superintendent as this situation unfolds over the next few months. In that regard, I am willing to assist with interim services, as mutually agreed upon, until a new person can begin. Thank you for your understanding and support. Sincerely, |
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