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Board member wants CCISD to investigate Corpus Christi C-CAUSE status

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After it was revealed that Corpus Christi C-CAUSE, formerly known as just C-CAUSE, was considered inactive by the state, Dr. Tony Diaz says he’s had one lingering question.

“How can they have been getting away…for the last three years and being re-approved to continue to operate and recognized by the district under these circumstances?” Diaz told KRIS 6 News.

He wants the district to answer that question and bring the results to the school board. As we’ve reported, the group’s charter was revoked by the state comptroller in 2015. Diaz says it’s the district’s responsibility to make sure organizations meet criteria for recognition by CCISD.

“Otherwise, we as a board are approving someone that’s really not qualified and shouldn’t be allowed,” Diaz said.

Susie Luna Saldana, who leads Corpus Christi C-CAUSE, contends she is qualified and her organization is now reinstated after filing all the paperwork needed for franchise tax requirements.

“We didn’t have to pay taxes. It was a matter of a form that needed to be filled out for those years. But, like I said, when I changed CPAs and then I changed again, that was never brought to my attention,” Saldana said.

She also said she was never notified by the state about the charter lapse, saying, “The usual procedure, from what i’m told, is that they’re supposed to look for you. Well, I’ve been at the same place all the time.”

Dr. Diaz says that’s not enough for him and he wants the issue addressed at Monday’s school board meeting. Saldana says she has no problem with it.

“I think we have a responsibility to protect our employees,” Diaz said. “If we’re not , we’re being negligent, derelict.”

Saldana responded, “As long as I can prove that i did things legally, I don’t have any problems being in the agenda.”

A CCISD spokesperson tells us the agenda for Monday’s meeting is still being finalized. Meantime, we should know more about C-Cause’s ongoing status with the district next month. That’s when all organizations are up for their annual review for recognition by CCISD.