CUSD Update – Reform is an Uphill Battle
Editorial staff

A poem surfaced last week, written by the husband of an old-guard CUSD trustee about parents wanting reform. A Capo parent commented, “I saw the original of this poem, which according to the notation (and the fax ID), was written by former CUSD Trustee Shelia Henness' husband when she was still on the Board. If this poem is any indication of the contempt with which we parents are regarded by the old-guard trustees, is it any wonder that reform is such an uphill battle? 

“The handwritten note on the bottom by Henness to then-superintendent James Fleming says:  ‘Jim, I just had to share the poetry that Bruce wrote following last night's meeting." Fleming's handwritten response followed: "Sheila, Phenomenal! What a talent. JF’" 

Rubber stamp they all whisper
Under their breath
What they want to see
Is a fight to the death

They scream and they yell
Their teeth they do bare
“It’s all for the kids”
But they don’t care

The Board Room is full
No room in the back
The Boundaries are drawn
The NIMBY’s attack!

(Alternate)
They scream and they yell
The fires get fanned
“It’s all for the kids”
They just don’t understand

They froth at the mouth
“You must do our bidding!”
Plays well with others?
You must be kidding?

They hoot and holler
And pitch a fit
The children are frightened
They don’t give a sh**

They raise a ruckus
Deliver their zinger
These people should be
On Jerry Springer

An FBI hint
Ment to cast a pall
Lackey is skinned
And hung on the wall

But wait, he’s back!
What an absolute flake
Have we ever considered
A wooden stake?

What these people want
Is as clear as glass
They just want to be
A pain in the ass!

“We’re here for the students”
They spout with great glee
But we know what they’re saying
“IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!!!!”

Hard to believe, but the report about Henness’s poem and Fleming’s comment is authentic.

Challenger Ellen Addonizio of Mission Viejo defeated incumbent Trustee Henness by a wide margin in November 2006. Addonizio received 59 percent (46,180 votes) while Henness received 41 percent (32,129 votes).