The 2009–10 school year is coming to an end; the last day of class is June 23rd. The students are looking looking for the summer vacation and also temporary work. Due to the nation's financial situation, work for the graduates are hard to come by. Quite a few of the graduates are planning for overseas trips which will provide them the view of the other side of the world.

As in the past, I am sure the Capo students again performed well in the California Standardized test. The test was administered during the week of May 10, right after the teachers returned to to their respective classes after the strike, and took the responsibilities of preparing the students for the test. The strike is over, but the relationship with the teachers and the management is strained. Hopefully time and a genuine effort on both sides to work together will heal the wounds.

The CUSD Trustees have hired Dr. Joseph Farley as the permanent superintendent. He is currently serving as the Superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District with a student of about 34,000.

Dr. Farley took over the Anaheim District when it was in turmoil and needed a change, and the District is in a good shape now.

On May 23, I called the incoming Superintendent. He offered to meet me. As I needed to finish my column for publication, I requested for a telephone interview, and later on after he joins Capo on July 1st we will schedule a date to meet in person.

He agreed and understood my situation as Dr. Farley was a reporter in his early days for Riverside Press Enterprise, and Pomona Valley Enterprise.

I asked Joe why, being a Superintendent of a neighboring School District and knowing the CUSD political turmoil, he opted for the position.

He said, "I believe I will make a difference." Knowing the academic success of the District he understands the expectation of the constituents. "With the cooperation, collaboration and support of the community, I will be able to steer the District" he said. " I need to know what is driving the anger and what I can do to turn it around", he added.

Dr. Farley is coming into a District that has been in politically turmoil for years, but his fresh approach may heel the District and bring a stability. We at the Ladera Times wish him the very best. His success will be our gain.

On May 11, the Trustees directed the staff to seek bids for completing the pool in the San Juan Hills High School, which is good news for the students of the school and for Laderians as their Mello Roos dollars are being used for the good of their children.

This should have happened in early 2008 when the Board in power at the time first authorized the staff to get bids! Let's forget the past and go with the present.

Ms. Julie Hatchel has been appointed as the Assistant Superintendent of Education. I will miss working with Julie as the District Communicator.

Lastly, the trial of the past retired Superintendent James Fleming, and his Assistant Susan McGill has been put on hold as both the parties are awaiting decision of the appeals court concerning lower court decisions of dismissal of some of the charges.

(Ram Mukherji is a former Trustee of Tri-City L.A. County Unified School District and Past President of Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation.)