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CUSD Update: New Spin from Old Trustees Those following the investigation of wrongdoing at Capistrano Unified School District awaited news of more indictments this week. As of this writing, no new information has been released by the D.A. regarding indictments or grand jury findings. The May 24 felony charges against former CUSD administrators James Fleming and Susan McGill revived community interest in the controversies. When the June 4 school board meeting was opened to public comments, critics outnumbered old-guard supporters by a wide margin. In addition to the usual criticism (of overspending, corrupt officials, nepotism, Brown Act violations, etc.), school board President Sheila Benecke drew fire during public comments for her insinuations. She opened with a prepared statement including, “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.” In case the audience didn’t get her drift (that any critic is a jackass), she later said public speakers could “slither” to the microphone. While slithering is not exclusive to snakes, several who made comments took offense. Benecke’s recent public statements indicate she blames reform-minded parents for the resignation of CUSD’s new superintendent, Dennis Smith. Some public speakers during the June 4 meeting said Fleming’s defenders (Benecke, Marlene Draper, Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff) are the cause of ongoing conflict. Instead of facing charges, the four old-guard trustees have a new PR slogan, “Let’s move on.” Benecke inferred problems would end if critics stopped talking about them. One critic said after the meeting, “I don’t see much change since the November election. The old trustees have dug in their heels defending Fleming. The community can move on when these folks are indicted or removed from office in the next election.” A Mission Viejo resident attending the meeting said, “If the trustees [loyal to Fleming] didn’t know about the problems, they were negligent. If they did know, they’re culpable.” Other Mission Viejo residents reacted favorably to one of the new trustees, Ellen Addonizio, who lives in Mission Viejo. Addonizio at the June 4 meeting questioned various motions regarding policy and expenditures, including why the district is setting aside $500,000 for attorney fees. For anyone wanting to stay tuned to the ongoing debate, check out a discussion board, |
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