School District Update

Capistrano USD: Does anyone remember how long ago former CUSD Supt. James Fleming and former Assistant Supt. Susan McGill were charged with illegal use of taxpayer funds?

The two former CUSD administrators were indicted by a grand jury in May 2007. Both were charged with felonies over "enemies" lists created in 2005 during an attempted recall of all seven school board members.

Charges against Fleming include misappropriation of public funds, use of school funds to urge support or defeat of a ballot measure or candidate, and conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public. McGill is charged with perjury and conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public.

Their trial has been delayed to Aug. 31 or later because of a scheduling conflict. This is the seventh delay. Jonathan Volzke of the Capistrano Dispatch writes, “If Just Delayed is Justice Denied … Then somebody is getting ripped off here.” Read the story, including links to the OC Register article, at http://capistranoinsider.typepad.com/beyond_the_blackboard/

On the same page, find Volzke’s other posts about CUSD. He describes a rare situation of general agreement between the union and trustees on Roberta Mahler as the choice of interim district superintendent. He quotes a positive reaction from the teacher’s union leader. The trustees anticipate approving Mahler’s contract (for $975 a day) on June 8.

Saddleback Valley USD: SVUSD trustees will discuss the Reuse Plan for O’Neill Elementary School at the next school board meeting, Tues., June 9.  The general meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. The agenda can be found at http://www.svusd.org/p_subject.asp?sid=13899&sm=a7

A June 6 post on MissionViejoDispatch.com describes potential use for O’Neill following the board’s decision to close it as an elementary school. An application to preserve it as a charter school was also denied. The current plan is to move the District Recreation Division into the facility. If approved, it would offer year-round programs including childcare, social activities, sports and special events.

Read the Dispatch article at http://missionviejodispatch.com/?p=9261