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.
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