I recently retired from Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) after teaching for 35 years. I don't know who Greg Lee is ("Union leader's criticism of Dunn went too far," Aug. 21 T.O. Acorn), but I know Arleigh Kidd. I've found the latter to be honorable, honest, and forthright. He's exactly as he described himself, "an honest ex-Marine who has never broken his vows of upholding the Constitution, who has integrity and is a decent person."

Conejo Valley schools have been led by a well-balanced school board for over three decades. The teachers union and the board have worked side by side to solve the myriad of problems facing public education. Compromises led to solutions, resulting in outstanding schools.

The atmosphere of unity and purpose was shattered with the election of Mike Dunn.

Arleigh Kidd's analysis of him is "right on." Mr. Dunn has brought negativity and disharmony to CVUSD. In my 35 years of teaching, there's never been a school board member who alienated the other members and couldn't work with his colleagues. It seems Mike Dunn views this as a badge of honor. We all suffer because of Dunn's attitude and actions.

Mike Dunn's personal agenda and scofflaw behavior is not acceptable. Whether you agree with the laws or not, you cannot break them, as Mr. Dunn has. The rules are there for everyone to follow, even him. He appears to view himself as some type of crusader who's above the law; what kind of example does this set for our children?

Hopefully at election time, people will get the facts and not be deceived by selfserving, kneejerk candidates who promote personal agendas instead of doing what's right for our students.

We all deserve better. Lesly Vick Thousand Oaks