On September 2, all the schools of Capo Unified School District (CUSD) will open. Mothers can be found in shopping malls for school clothes and supplies.
The district administrators, school principals and teachers are all preparing to welcome their students. It is heart warming to hear that students are eagerly waiting to start the new school year.
New Charges
I am saddened to learn that a new criminal investigation has been started at CUSD by the Orange County District Attorney. It is alleged the superintend-ent’s contract was entered into illegally as signed by the then-Board President Mike Darnold and Superintendent A. Woodrow Carter.
A "golden parachute" clause was inserted into the contract without the knowledge, discussion or agreement of the other trustees. Not much to write about this until the DA’s investigation is completed.
New Majority
The majority of the Board is supported by the CUSD recall group. As a result, changes are being made, and a few are on the right direction.
For example, the Board will meet twice a month for six months on a temporary basis. This arrangement was the one I discussed when I talked with two of the current trustees as the once a month meeting goes into wee hours of night and no one can stay alert and make good decisions.
Pipeline Input
I am happy to see that the high pressure pipeline issue is being looked into in detail. The trustees agreed to obtain further input from the parties. I believe they look into all aspects of "if, when and what," for example, what if a seismic event or accident cause a pipeline rupture and oil is all over the school playground.
Busing Issue
The transportation issue is being looked at again. The Board will hear the constituents’ input at the August 25 meeting (after this issue goes to press). However time is of essence as the schools will open on September 2!
Office Invasion
I am appalled to hear that the School Board President and a newly-elected Trustee were found in the Superintendent Woodrow Carter’s private office!
The deputy superintendent of education found them when she returned from her lunch. Mr. Carter was out of town. I am at a loss for words to discuss this incident. In my business life or as an elected trustee of a school district or as president of Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation, I can not imagine myself in this type of situation. I was in a business meeting with Mr. Carter, and could not even ask him about this as I felt embarrassed.
Performance Review
The Trustees met to discuss the performance of the superintendent. This is a normal process with a new board majority and a new president of the board.
What’s irregular is the Board asked its attorney to hold onto the audiotape and bring it to the next closed session. The procedure I am used to is to keep the tape in a locked box in the district office and, if need be, the key can be kept by the Board President.
In conclusion we at the Ladera Times wish all students a great 08-09 academic year. Work hard to learn when the teachers are there to give you their knowledge.