The Capistrano Unified School Board did the right thing - even if some of the CUSD trustees did so for the wrong reasons.
The Orange County Register has reported that the trustees of the CUSD have voted to cut off funding of former Superintendent James Fleming's criminal defense attorney's fee. Mr. Fleming has been under investigation for violations of state laws by such acts as keeping "enemies lists" of recall leaders. A retired judge hired by CUSD to investigate recently issued a report finding some of the accusations true and not appropriate.
On Monday the CUSD trustees voted to end the taxpayer funding of Mr. Fleming's criminal defense fees. However, not all of the trustees cast their votes for the right reasons. Board member Sheila Benecke said the only reason she was voting in favor of cutting off funding Mr. Fleming's legal fees is that the grand jury investigation has quieted down and if it picks up steam again the District should resume funding these fees.
It is apparent that Ms. Benecke just does not understand that when a school official acts improperly he should not be rewarded with a free criminal defense at taxpayer's expense - especially when the District has just announced a serious cash flow shortage with resultant cut backs in services. Ms. Benecke continues to deny that the voters in the CUSD (this author is one of them) want change - not the old guard continuing to protect their own.
Also, the District should not defend Mr. Fleming's actions which were just plain wrong. As Vice President of the Board Anna Bryson stated: "It is a misuse of taxpayers' money to defend the indefensible." Ms. Bryson is absolutely correct.
Craig Alexander, Esq.
Education Alliance Member
The Orange County Register has reported that the trustees of the CUSD have voted to cut off funding of former Superintendent James Fleming's criminal defense attorney's fee. Mr. Fleming has been under investigation for violations of state laws by such acts as keeping "enemies lists" of recall leaders. A retired judge hired by CUSD to investigate recently issued a report finding some of the accusations true and not appropriate.
On Monday the CUSD trustees voted to end the taxpayer funding of Mr. Fleming's criminal defense fees. However, not all of the trustees cast their votes for the right reasons. Board member Sheila Benecke said the only reason she was voting in favor of cutting off funding Mr. Fleming's legal fees is that the grand jury investigation has quieted down and if it picks up steam again the District should resume funding these fees.
It is apparent that Ms. Benecke just does not understand that when a school official acts improperly he should not be rewarded with a free criminal defense at taxpayer's expense - especially when the District has just announced a serious cash flow shortage with resultant cut backs in services. Ms. Benecke continues to deny that the voters in the CUSD (this author is one of them) want change - not the old guard continuing to protect their own.
Also, the District should not defend Mr. Fleming's actions which were just plain wrong. As Vice President of the Board Anna Bryson stated: "It is a misuse of taxpayers' money to defend the indefensible." Ms. Bryson is absolutely correct.
Craig Alexander, Esq.
Education Alliance Member
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