David Smollar

Waldrip not impartial, but facts have vindicated Smollar and proven Fleming a liar

David Smollar, The Orange County Register "I don't believe Waldrip has proven himself to be an impartial judge. Everything I've said in any context has been proven factual. Most, if not all the things, Fleming said in denial have been proven false."

Whistleblower and former CUSD Communications Director Smollar's initial reaction to the Waldrip investigation report.
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CUSD spokesperson says CUSD is a 'full disclosure' agency, but district stonewalling tells a different story

Beverly DeNicola, email to The Full Disclosure Network "When we talked a few weeks ago you said that our district was stonewalling. I pointed out that you and I had never talked, and that I would be happy to provide you with any any information any time, just as I do with reporters and members of the public. I have spoken to our Board President, and Mrs. Benecke has asked me to provide you with information on her behalf. Neither she nor I will be available for an on-camera interview at this time. I am looking forward to receiving the questions that you said you would be sending to me. I will respond completely and honestly to your questions, except that, as I stated before, I am unable to address questions that go to the recall, which is a political process, or the legal process involving our former employees. CUSD is a 'full disclosure' agency. Give us a chance to prove that to you."

DeNicola sent this to Full Disclosure in response to an email from Leslie Dutton, whose repeated attempts to interview the CUSD trustees and Superintendent Fleming for nearly two years had been rejected by the district. As CUSD's Director of Communications, DeNicola carries on the tradition of her predecessor, David Smollar, by spinning to cover the district's obvious stonewalling.
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CUSD Trustees and Superintendent engage in improper coercion, intimidation and fear

• Superintendent Fleming Has Created a Mafia-like Organization and Infrastructure
• Specific Examples of Coercion, Intimidation and Fear
• We call upon the District Attorney to conduct a full and complete investigation

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Superintendent James A. Fleming and the seven CUSD Trustees have institutionalized a district-wide atmosphere where parents, teachers and administrators are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation. They improperly use their official office/capacity to intentionally create an environment within the district that makes it virtually impossible for any one to express disagreement with the district without being subjected to retribution or the threat thereof. The CUSD leadership routinely punishes (or threatens to punish) parents and their children, teachers and administrators who dare to speak out against them or their agenda. Conversely, the CUSD leadership rewards those who are loyal and willing to carry out their “dirty work.” Read More...
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An enemies list at Capistrano Unified

School district’s Orwellian monitoring of recall-supporting parents is no small matter

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Editorial, The Orange County Register The Register reported on Monday that the Capistrano Unified School District “kept lists of 150 families who supported last year’s board recall campaign, detailing such personal information as where their children went to school.”
    
This is a chilling abuse of power that should be thoroughly investigated by the county district attorney. One parent, appropriately enough, called the behavior “Nixonish.”
Read More...
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Outside investigations in order for CUSD, registrar

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Editorial, The Orange COunty Register As the Register reported Tuesday, the Orange County Registrar of Voters illegally showed school board recall petitions to Capistrano Unified School District officials. If the registrar mishandled this information in such a way, then it’s not unreasonable to question whether the registrar could have mishandled the way it counted and disqualified recall petition signatures – the point argued by recall supporters in an ongoing lawsuit against the registrar. Read More...
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Lesson in hubris at Capo Unified

Indictments of former superintendent, assistant, should encourage community vigilance

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Editorial, The Orange County Register

The indictment last week of two former top officials at Capistrano Unified capped a long and bitter battle at that south county school district over efforts to reform leadership that had grown arrogant and out of touch with the public. An indictment is a far cry from a conviction, but the county grand jury’s decision is indeed vindication for the hearty band of parents who attempted to recall the school board and offers encouragement for grass-roots activists who want to keep their government accountable. Read More...
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School District Avoids Full Disclosure

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Marlene Draper, President CUSD Board of Trustees wrote: "We will respond through our own communications system and, as necessary and appropriate, through our legal counsel." Why is the Capistrano Unified School District , refusing to answer Full Disclosure's questions about allegations and evidence of mismanagement, deceit and corruption that led to an unprecedented campaign to recall all seven School District Trustees? Read Marlene Draper's letter and Full Disclosure letter here. Read More...
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