Carter Placed on Leave

Trustees came out of closed session about 11:40 p.m. Board President Ellen Addonizio announced the board voted 6-1 - with Anna Bryson dissenting - to place Superintendent A. Woodrow Carter on paid administrative leave. Carter did not return to the dais. Trustee Jack Brick also left the room with taking his seat.

Trustees left among boos and chantd of "recall" from well over 100 who remained in the audience.

Comments

[Save CUSD]

Unbelievable. So is Ms. Lovely the interim again?

[Ready To Recall]

So what is up with Jack Brick not even taking his seat for the report out of closed session? He left the room with his wife in tow so quickly. If he can't face the music then he has no business being a trustee.

[Disappointed]

Why is this "unbelievable?" Is anybody really surprised? It was obvious that, since this meeting was called on almost no notice as soon as Larry Christensen returned to town, the kangaroo court was back in session and that Superintendent Carter was toast.

Unfortunately, the Untrustees cannot yet find a legitimate reason to terminate Mr. Carter (though they'll keep hunting -- or try to fabricate some sin that justifies their actions) -- so they'll just put him on the sidelines [Take a time out, Woody!] until they've got their act together and the heat of the public board meetings dissipates.

Remember that the new Untrustees truly believe that Carter is a charlatan who has (behind their backs) seduced the credentialed teachers, classified staff, and parents -- through his political wiles -- to somehow stand in the way of everything they stand for and want to accomplish. [Though whatever their agenda might be, they have certainly never shared it publicly. But it seems to have nothing to do with providing a first class education for our children!]

No, it's not unbelievable. It's too true. Those who voted for the new Untrustees and now regret it -- only have themselves to blame. Those who stood by and did not campaign against the recall group must also share some guilt. The recall agenda may not be transparent -- but their mission is: to destroy everything that CUSD has created over the last two decades, and to take down anyone associated with (the justifiably ousted) Dr. Fleming or his legacy.

Rest in peace, Mr. Carter, and good luck. We'll miss you -- even though we'll apparently continue to pay your salary for the foreseeable future! Until they dip into the District coffers to fund your $400,000± severance! [Oh well, it’s only taxpayer money.] Perhaps you'll still be welcomed at a few CUSD campuses -- though I suspect the Untrustees will forcibly bar you from any school visits!

Sadly,
A disappointed parent / voter / taxpayer

[Looking for Integrity]

This is a travesty. Carter didn't deserve this. Thank you to Ms. Bryson for her support. It is amazing to me that the trustees would listen to the community and then go against their desires. Seems to me that they have their own agendas. Very sad. And, the Beales and Russell were noticeably absent. Was this purposeful?

[Someone that would like to post my name but fears retaliation from the 6 on the board]

I am sorry Carter...we tried.
Thank you Ms. Bryson....you tried
It is a sad day for all children in CUSD

[keep it simple]

YEEHA! Now the district can focus on the education of our children!

[Looking for Integrity]

You are so wrong, keep it simple. All this has done is further divided the district. The community is waking up. This board has sealed its fate. Another recall is in the offing.

[Mission Viejo Observer]

It's interesting there was no love lost between the teachers union and Carter until he became the last link to the old board's failed management of the District. The teachers sudden love affair with Carter isn't primarily about the kids; its about self-interest and a fear that the new board won't be inclined to follow the liberal social and educational agenda of the California Teachers Association. We all love our great teachers, but parents shouldn't be misled by the organized undercurrent which wants to perpetuate a rebellious attitude toward the new board. Carter may be competent, but he is not compatible.

[Resigned]

Excuse me? The district can now focus on education? We've certainly seen zero interest on this aspect of running a school district from any of the Untrustees. The only person on the dais who consistently mentions education (teachers and students) is our erstwhile -- now sidelined -- superintendent.

The agenda becomes clearer -- I'm told this morning that (according to some apparently smirking recall supporters) the Untrustees have already selected Carter's successor, waiting somewhere in the wings nearby for the call to ride in, stage right, wearing a white hat, to save the day for CUSD. Since the die is cast, let's hope that he/she has a true passion for excellent public education, and can fearlessly express his/her opinions to the board without fear of imminent termination. What are the odds, though, of this person, however competent, being viewed as anything but a tool of the Untrustees / Recall Committee / Education Alliance?

Please -- let's get back to education -- with recognition of the looming financial constraints. It will take many hard decisions and significant sacrifices, but will be easier if we focus on the district's most important "stakeholders" -- the students!

[Eyes Open Wide]

Now we are beginning to see the real agenda. It's those teachers with their "liberal social and educational agenda" who are the villains. Teaching ideas like tolerance, integration, modern science; exposing our children to controversial ideas; allowing debate and individual thinking; leading them to great literature, art and music; implying that there may be more than one point of view or right answer to life's great questions; preparing them for the rigors of great universities and challenging careers -- instead of teaching them only the Three R's and Creationism. How dare they corrupt our children with these Communistic approaches?

Thanks, Mission Viejo Observer -- it's good to be reminded that good ole right-wing conservatism and anti-labor bias is alive and well here in south Orange County. You've got my attention!