CUSD Update – Plea of Insanity Would Cover It
Editorial staff

The arraignment of former CUSD administrators James Fleming and Susan McGill began at 9 a.m. on July 13 in Orange County Superior Court. Both responded “not guilty” to felony charges. Fleming is charged with three counts for allegedly creating lists of enemies. McGill is charged with conspiracy and perjury. Their next court appearance will be on Aug. 10.

The arraignment was originally scheduled for June, but the defense had asked for a delay to July 13 to study findings of the grand jury. Now that Fleming – not the school district – is paying his attorney fees, he might have mixed feelings about drawing out the process.

Those who went to the arraignment said it was short. The blog found an interesting description on an OC Register discussion board, posted by someone who attended:

 http://talk.ocregister.com/showthread.php?t=23726&page=150&pp=15#post535240.

According to the post, Fleming and McGill are looking haggard beyond their years.

Some of those posting on the OCR discussion board are also making their way through the 1,300-page grand jury report. One person found testimony indicating a current high-level (and highly compensated) CUSD employee contributed to the enemies lists by adding notes and personal information.

Community members should expect the next school board meeting (Mon., July 16) to be interesting. Those planning to attend should note public comments will be heard at the beginning of the meeting after presentation of awards and other recognition. The public may also attend the board’s study session from 4 to 5 p.m. regarding capital facilities.

On the agenda for the closed session, CUSD received notice of liability claims. The item lists 17 names for a total of 35 claims. Blog staff members noticed that the same names appear on the lists of enemies. District officials should anticipate legal repercussions, particularly when schoolchildren were named as enemies. It gives new meaning to the old-guard’s tired phrase: it’s all about the children.