Laguna School Board Recall

We recently received a leaflet from Citizens United for Responsible Education (CURE). One of the points prominently made by CURE in the leaflet is the role of a school board member and the Football Boosters Club in supporting Cedrick Hardman. On April 9 there was an article in The Times concerning school board member Charlene Ragatz’ role in the Football Boosters. The fact that similar support was given to other coaches received only passing mention in the article, and of course was ignored in the leaflet.

I would not be writing this letter except that I noticed the name of the wife of a former school board member on the CURE support committee. Perhaps she has forgotten how she and her husband actively solicited funds for the water polo coach at meetings of parents of team members. As water polo parents we contributed money to “help out” by writing a tax deductible check to the Boosters’ Club. I understand that later the money was given to the coach in cash.

I am not criticizing the fact that money was given to the water polo coach, who was excellent and underpaid. What made me write this letter is the hypocrisy innate in CURE’s stand on this issue, and the feeling that this is really a phony issue. What’s CURE’s real agenda?

I can understand disagreement over the school board’s stand on the reinstatement of Cedrick Hardman, but it does not merit a recall movement in my opinion. CURE calls for a school board that reflects the “highest community standards,” but their campaign does not reflect this lofty goal.

The sad thing about the whole recall movement is that all this money and effort could be going for positive action for the schools.

ANNE FRANK

Laguna Beach