School board censures Dunn
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

In a special June 5 board meeting, Conejo Valley Unified School District board members voted to censure their colleague Michael Dunn for his series of contacts with a candidate for the assistant superintendent position to be vacated by Richard Simpson at the end of the month.

Superintendent Mario Contini said that an e-mail and two telephone calls placed by Dunn made the candidate and his family uncomfortable.

Based on the contacts alone, the man, whose name wasn't disclosed, turned down the job.

"Mr. Dunn's actions, regardless of his intentions, created a number of adverse impacts, including . . . withdrawal of a highly qualified candidate for a vital district level position, significant disruption and delay to the selection process, the loss of confidence among management staff (to do) their duties without interference . . . and a blemish on the overall positive image of the district," Contini said in his report.

The e-mail from Dunn suggested alternatives to buying a house in the Conejo Valley, including renting, as well as looking to buy in Oxnard and Fillmore.

"My wife has been praying for six weeks," the e-mail read. "We believe you are the answer to our prayers. I write to suggest a solution regarding the cost of housing. . . . I hope you'll accept the position . . . we are one of the best school districts in the state."

Dunn also admitted to placing two calls, one to the candidate's home and one to the candidate's mother-in-law, urging him to check his e-mail. In both calls, Dunn refused to identify himself, saying only that he was representing the Conejo Valley Unified board.

"I had heard he declined because he couldn't afford housing in this area," Dunn said. "I called him because I wanted to make sure he checked his e-mail. . . . I don't believe he decided to turn down the position because of the e-mail. If he had indeed confirmed that to me, I'd be contrite."

The rest of the board unanimously agreed that Dunn's actions violated several elements of its protocols and stressed that members had agreed to act as a unit, not individually.

"I don't think anyone wants the heavy air we're experiencing now," board member Timothy Stephens said. "But when you have protocols violated . . . there ought to be consequences."

About 40 people turned out for the 2 p.m. meeting, some pointing out the difficulty in attending because of the midday scheduling. The majority spoke in favor of Dunn.

"This is a continuation of a witch hunt that started three years ago," said Kathy Carlson. She argued that Dunn's friendliness has gotten him into trouble.

Many asserted that the board bullies Dunn, who often casts the only dissenting vote or offers an alternate opinion.

"The tolerance you so freely preach is so obviously pushed aside when the four of you get together," said Gina Conti. "This is not a hierarchy."

Others called the CVUSD "the laughingstock of Ventura County" and "an embarrassment to the community" because of the board's behavior.

The meeting comes less than a month after the board voted to censure Dunn over another issue. That vote has now been struck from the record.

After Dunn called all the district schools to get input on how to tackle declining enrollment in the coming years, board president Dolores Didio brought forth a vote to censure him for acting as an individual rather than part of the group.

"By acting independently, Mr. Dunn has created uncertainty and concern where none need exist," Didio said at the May 8 meeting. "This discontent is not in the best interest of either the schools or students. Dunn acted outside of his authority as a public official by insinuating he has decision-making powers that only the entire board has."

Dunn and Didio proceeded to take part in a yelling match where he asked for the chance to defend himself and said she didn't have all the facts. Didio refused to allow him to speak to the allegations.

"I really, really resent this," Dunn said. "I never implied that I was solely responsible for this decision. . . . I'm sick and tired of being slandered by this board."

A vote was taken amid allegations that the vote violated the Brown Act, as it was not agendized, and no comment was allowed. Contini confirmed that Didio worded the vote incorrectly.

"It was a vote to put it on the agenda, not to censure him then," Contini said. "But then this situation happened and the other one just died."

Despite the two incidents, Dunn said he feels that he and the superintendent can still work together and said he will continue to try with the board.

"I signed those protocols because I thought they'd bring peace to the board," Dunn said. "I now believe the protocols are being used to intimidate me. But you don't get anywhere by carrying a grudge.

"You can catch more bees with honey."