ORANGE : School Official Quits, Criticizes Policies

John Perry, assistant superintendent for support services for the Orange Unified School District, resigned Thursday, but not before criticizing school board policies and urging the district to aspire “to the greatness it once enjoyed.”

Before Perry made his brief statement before the board, board President Jeff Holstien thanked him for his two years of service to the district.

“You may want to rescind that commendation,” Perry said. “I have a few things to say.”

Perry criticized the district for allowing “union demands” to take priority over student programs and warned board members that “immediate steps” should be taken on a retirement benefits plan that threatens to bankrupt the district.

Recent independent studies on district finances showed that a retirement package guaranteeing lifetime medical coverage could bankrupt the district within five years. The study showed the board had increased class size to fund the high cost of health benefits.

“Stop the political deal-making,” said Perry in a final recommendation, “and operate the Orange Unified School District like the $100-million business it is--the business of educating the future citizens of this community.”

Board members avoided looking at Perry during the presentation. Holstien said later the criticism had been expected.

Perry’s resignation becomes effective July 1, ending a 20-year career as an Orange County school administrator. No replacement has been named. Perry said he was leaving the district to take a job in the private sector.