In recent months, serious allegations have surfaced regarding the actions of the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), particularly concerning the falsification of documents in Superintendent Dr. Sam Buenrostro’s office that have led to significant consequences for students and their families. These actions not only undermine the credibility of the district but also violate California law and the fundamental principles of fairness and due process that should govern the educational system.
The Allegations of Falsification
At the heart of these allegations is the claim that CNUSD has been backdating official documents, including expulsion packets and decision letters, in order to meet deadlines and cover up procedural mistakes. These documents, which were submitted to public offices like the Riverside County Office of Education, were falsely dated to appear as though the district was adhering to legal timelines when, in fact, the documents were created and filed later than required.
One of the most concerning aspects of this issue is that CNUSD is accused of backdating these documents to circumvent the legal requirements for timely notice and hearings. Under California law, Education Code Section 48918 mandates that school districts provide students with written notice of an expulsion hearing at least 10 days before the hearing takes place. The failure to provide timely notice and documentation of the proceedings can render the expulsion decision invalid, and yet, CNUSD appears to have manipulated the timeline in order to present a false record.
The Role of Falsified Expulsion Documents
The falsification of expulsion-related documents is particularly egregious as it directly impacts the lives of students and their ability to challenge expulsion decisions. In some cases, students have been told that they are being expelled or suspended based on inaccurate or fabricated evidence, and the district’s actions have not only violated the law but have also deprived students of their constitutional rights to a fair hearing.
One notable case involved a student who was expelled without a proper board vote, and official documentation was backdated to appear as if the process had been followed correctly. The district’s use of falsified records allowed them to submit the paperwork to public offices, which undermined the integrity of the legal process. These actions raise serious questions about the ethics and transparency of the district’s administration.
This issue of document falsification has occurred multiple times within the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), with the district consistently backdating important documents, such as expulsion packets and official decision letters, to give the appearance of compliance with legal timelines. In one instance, after being caught for submitting falsified documents, the district issued a statement attempting to deflect responsibility by claiming that their printer was to blame for incorrectly printing the dates. This explanation, however, is an obvious fabrication meant to cover up their actions. The notion that a printer could randomly produce documents with incorrect dates—especially critical documents like expulsion notices and decision letters—is highly implausible. Such an excuse undermines the credibility of the district’s leadership and further highlights the extent to which they have gone to deceive both the public and relevant authorities in order to avoid accountability for their actions. This is not a one-time clerical error, but a systemic issue that calls into question the integrity of the district’s administrative processes.
The Legal and Ethical Implications
Falsifying documents is not only an internal matter for the district; it is a violation of state law. California Penal Code Section 115 makes it clear that knowingly submitting false or forged documents for filing with a public office is a criminal offense. By submitting falsified expulsion documents, CNUSD may be in violation of this law, and the individuals involved could face legal consequences.
Furthermore, these actions raise ethical concerns about the district’s commitment to transparency and fairness. When a school district falsifies documents, it undermines public trust and damages the integrity of the educational system. Parents, students, and the community at large rely on the district to act in good faith and to uphold the law, but these actions have eroded that trust and created a culture of cover-up rather than accountability.
Impact on Students and Families
The consequences for students and families who are caught up in this system of document falsification are profound. Students who have been unfairly expelled or disciplined may find it difficult to return to school, and the stigma of an expulsion can have long-term effects on their education and future opportunities. Furthermore, families who are wronged by the district’s actions often find themselves fighting an uphill battle to have the decision overturned or corrected.
When a student is expelled based on falsified documents, they are being denied the right to a fair and impartial hearing. This not only violates the student’s rights but also disrupts their education, placing their future at risk.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The situation at CNUSD requires immediate attention and reform. The district must be held accountable for its actions, and there needs to be a transparent investigation into the falsification of documents. The district should take responsibility for its mistakes and work to ensure that these actions do not happen again in the future.
It is crucial that CNUSD adopts new policies and practices to prevent document falsification and ensure that all expulsions and disciplinary actions are conducted in accordance with the law. The district should also implement safeguards to protect students’ rights, including providing timely notice and documentation for hearings, as required by law.
Conclusion
The falsification of documents by CNUSD represents a serious breach of trust and a violation of both state law and ethical standards. These actions have harmed students and their families, and they must be addressed immediately. CNUSD has a responsibility to uphold the rights of its students and to act with transparency and integrity. By holding the district accountable for its actions and implementing reforms to ensure that such violations do not happen again, CNUSD can begin to restore trust and ensure that all students receive the fair treatment they deserve.