COMPTON : Murray Calls Decision by School Board ‘Racist’

Compton school officials and a local assemblyman have exchanged heated comments in the wake of the school board’s decision to select an African American businessman over a Latino to fill a vacant seat.

Three weeks ago, the board voted by secret ballot to appoint Saul E. Lankster, a flower shop owner and former school board member. Lankster, who served on the board from 1977 to 1981, was convicted in 1985 on felony charges of selling false traffic-school diplomas to undercover officers.

The appointment has been put on hold, however, while state school officials determine whether the school board has the authority to appoint a new member and whether the vote by secret ballot was proper.

The board’s decision was “myopic and racist,” said Assemblyman Willard H. Murray (D-Paramount). “They continuously defend their ineptitude. They have a tendency to underestimate the intelligence or understanding of the community.”

Murray argued that the board should have chosen a Latino to fill the empty seat. More than 61% of the students in Compton schools are Latino, yet only one of the six board members, Gorgonio Sanchez, is Latino. Murray criticized the board for bypassing Martin Chavez, a Latino candidate who received the top rating from a screening committee that evaluated 13 applicants.

Board members defended their choice, saying Lankster spoke eloquently on the issues and was the only candidate with board experience.

In a letter released last week, board President Michael Hopwood said Murray’s comments were unfair. “He impugned everyone’s integrity,” Hopwood said. “He should apply the same logic that he’s applying to the board to his own staff.”

Murray’s eight-member staff in Sacramento and Paramount consists of four African Americans, one Latino and two whites, according to a staff member. Murray could not be reached for comment.

Last year, the state took control of the beleaguered school district, reducing the school board to an advisory role. Murray pushed through legislation that requires the district to remain under state control until students’ academic performance improves. The state has appointed Jerome Harris to run the district.