Corona, CA – After 26 years with the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), including the past five years as Superintendent, Dr. Sam Buenrostro has announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2025. While his announcement is framed as a moment of reflection and gratitude, it comes amid a backdrop of multiple scandals and controversies that have plagued his tenure and marred the district’s reputation.

Dr. Buenrostro’s announcement cites a “deep reflection” on his career in public education, which spans nearly four decades. He describes his time in CNUSD as an honor, emphasizing his pride in the district’s progress in areas like literacy, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and school safety. However, many within the district community are left grappling with a legacy tainted by multiple scandals that have raised serious questions about his leadership.

Under Dr. Buenrostro’s stewardship, CNUSD has faced repeated allegations of procedural violations, such as improper student expulsions, falsified documents, and a lack of transparency. One particularly controversial incident involved the district expelling students without a board vote and falsifying key documents submitted to public offices. These actions have led to an erosion of trust among parents, students, and community members who feel that their voices have been ignored, and their children’s rights compromised.

Additionally, during Dr. Buenrostro’s time as Superintendent, several staff members were accused of misconduct, and there were multiple instances where students were treated unfairly by the district’s disciplinary processes. The district’s legal team, particularly those from F3Law, has faced accusations of overstepping legal boundaries in their zeal to protect the district’s interests, even going so far as to allegedly encourage retaliatory actions against families who raised concerns. These ongoing issues have tarnished the district’s public image and raised doubts about its commitment to fairness and transparency.

Many are now questioning the timing of Dr. Buenrostro’s retirement, which comes amid increasing public scrutiny of the district’s practices and several ongoing legal battles. Despite his announcement of a smooth transition, it remains to be seen whether the district will be able to rebuild trust and credibility after a tenure marked by controversy.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve in a district that exemplifies excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to students,” Dr. Buenrostro said in his resignation statement, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with the reality many families have experienced under his leadership.

The CNUSD community, including educators, parents, and students, will be left to reconcile the positive changes in some areas with the ethical lapses and legal challenges that have marked Dr. Buenrostro’s leadership. With his retirement, the future of the district now hangs in the balance, as the board and the community look toward a new era that, hopefully, can restore integrity and accountability to CNUSD.

As the district moves forward, the question remains: Can CNUSD truly heal from the mistakes of the past, and will the next leadership be able to restore the faith of a community disillusioned by a series of missteps and scandals? Only time will tell.

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