Sounding Board -- George G. Grupe III

Last month, I attended the school board meeting. I felt it a community

disgrace. Days later, I read the Community Forum page of the Daily Pilot.

While there were no letters to the editor immediately (I thought there

would be), there were a few days later. There was also a very fine

editorial, “School boarding is not a team sport” (Dec. 16). Whoever wrote

this piece has forgotten more about “school boarding” than six members of

the school board and the superintendent know combined. For me, it is time

these seven take off their blinders and try to see our real world.

You may ask what right I have to write this way. My answer: For almost

10 years, I have addressed them on U.S. history textbooks in use and

those to be purchased. After speaking to the school board on six or eight

occasions, someone asked, “What is it like?” After a moment’s wait, I

answered and said, “Well, it is like talking to seven blocks of ice,

except for Wendy Leece.”

Trustee Leece has kept me informed when textbooks are to be reviewed.

Staff at the board office have told me that I spend more time reading

history books than the rest of the community combined. Yes, I am proud of

that. Others could be.

When I tried to caution the school board on history textbooks that

revile our greatest national heroes, like George Washington and Abraham

Lincoln, there was never a response, except from Leece. The school board

should be concerned; they were not. The one they overlook continues to

stand tall under their attacks. She stands almost alone; a lady with true

grit.

On Dec. 11, the school board chose new officers. I was there to

support seven-year, overlooked member, Leece, for some position --

president would be proper. Twelve people spoke -- eight in favor of

Leece, four against. We are allowed only three minutes each. Of course,

those on the board can attack for as long as they wish, and did. It

seemed to me that the eight who came to support Leece came as

individuals, and the other four as an organized group. Even so, Leece was

favored 2 to 1.

After we 12 spoke, it was the school board’s turn. Trustee Martha

Fluor read a long statement against her fellow member -- it must have

been 15 minutes, but really seemed longer. Now, it was board member Dana

Black’s turn; hers was not as long, but just as uncalled for. There was

almost nothing left to charge Leece with; these two had said it all. If

you aren’t sure, go to the board and ask to hear the tapes.

Not one person said one word about these attacks. When is enough

enough? For me, I thought 6 to 1 against a single Christian mom is unfair

odds. How about you? I did receive a brilliant letter from an outstanding

area citizen. In part, it said, “This event was an utter disgrace and a

shocking display of arrogance and lack of civility with a character

assassination of a fine, dedicated woman trying to serve our community.”

Leece showed great poise; she did not say one word as the attackers

charged on and on. She showed great class while her attackers showed a

total lack of it.

The most ludicrous remarks I heard all night were made by Fluor when

she charged Leece with quote after quote from “The Book of Virtues.” This

is a treasury of great moral stories edited by William J. Bennett. I own

this book and went right home to reread it. I felt Fluor violated

practically every element of decency and ethics I find in the book. The

more Fluor talked, the deeper hole she dug herself.

In conclusion, my greatest American is George Washington. In his

“Rules for Civility,” he told us, “It is better to be alone than in bad

company.” To avoid “bad company,” Leece would have to leave the

Newport-Mesa Unified school board, and that would be a terrible loss,

wouldn’t it?

* GEORGE G. GRUPE III is a Corona del Mar resident, historian and

former military pilot.