Two School Trustees Should Step Down

A group of parents gathered enough valid signatures to trigger a recall election in Capistrano Unified School District. The parents are to be commended for their effort, as the district is nearly bankrupt after years of poor management and deficit spending.

At the March 10 CUSD board meeting, President Mike Darnold argued against the recall, stating CUSD facilities are “second to none.” Parents of students in overcrowded, deteriorating classrooms are right to disagree. The recall election will be held in June or July, and it can’t come soon enough when the board majority throws away millions of dollars every month but fails to address basic needs.

Only two trustees, Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, are targets of the recall. Removing them from office will put an end to the Fleming-era majority. They should be recalled before they have a chance to do more damage or approve another budget.

Connie Lee
Mission Viejo