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By Tom Varallo, Commander, U.S. Navy (retired)
Photo, left: CVUSD trustee Jim MIller
December 9, 2024 (El Cajon) -- As a citizen and former Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) Representative in the Cajon Valley Union School District, I am stunned by the recent comments made by Jim Miller, the current President of our School Board, on his public Facebook page. Furthermore, as a parent of a now-adult son with autism who successfully matriculated from two schools in Cajon Valley, I am outraged at Miller’s comments.
His remarks, referring to a fellow Board Member as an "uneducated, on-the-spectrum, goose-stepping kook" and claiming that the schools this individual represents "don’t deserve" his representation, are a disgrace to the leadership of our district.
These words are not merely an attack on one individual; they are an attack on the principles of inclusion, respect, and dignity that we expect from our schools and their leaders.
Most egregiously, Miller’s use of “on-the-spectrum” as an insult demonstrates a profound ignorance and insensitivity toward autism and neurodiversity.
Autism is not a flaw or something to be mocked. It is a part of the identity of millions of people who contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and professions.
For Miller to weaponize it as a slur reveals a mindset that is incompatible with east county. Our district serves a diverse population, including many students with autism and other neurodivergent traits. These students deserve an environment where they are embraced for who they are and supported to achieve their fullest potential.
When the President of their School Board resorts to bullying and derogatory language, it undermines that environment and sends a chilling message to students, parents, and educators alike.
Autism Is Not an Insult
To address the heart of Miller’s insult, it must be said plainly: autism is not a slur.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world. It is characterized by a range of traits, including differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors.
However, it is also associated with unique strengths, such as heightened attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Perhaps that is why my son was able to enlist in the Montana National Guard, with them fully aware of his autism diagnosis. Perhaps that is why he scored so high on his ASVAB that he was eligible for any MOS. The day he graduated from U.S. Army Boot Camp was one of the proudest days of my life. But to Miller, people like him are to be mocked, stifled, and targeted for harassment.
The idea that someone “on the spectrum” is unfit to represent others or is deserving of ridicule is offensive and ignorant. Autism is not a deficit—it is a difference, a difference valued by the U.S. Army. For Miller to wield this term as an insult perpetuates harmful stereotypes that neurodivergent individuals have worked so hard to dismantle.
Moreover, it sends a terrible message to students.
Children with autism are part of our district’s classrooms, and their parents fight daily to ensure they have access to the resources and support they need.
What are we telling these students when the leader of their school board mocks autism?
What are we telling parents when the President of the Board uses a condition that affects their child as an insult?
Miller’s remarks are not only hurtful but also deeply irresponsible.
Leadership by Example
School board members are public servants entrusted with the well-being of our children and the stewardship of our schools. Their actions and words set the tone for the entire district.
As Board President, Miller is not just one voice among many—he is a leader whose behavior reflects the values and culture of the Board as a whole.
When a leader uses bullying language and derogatory insults, it legitimizes similar behavior throughout the system.
If the person at the top of the chain of command cannot model basic respect and decency, and other adults in authority give them a pass, how can we expect students to treat their peers with kindness?
How can we teach anti-bullying and inclusivity in our schools when the Board President engages in the very behavior we tell students is unacceptable?
Leadership is about more than holding a title. It is about setting an example that others can look up to. By any measure, Miller has failed to meet this standard.
The Board’s Responsibility
The Cajon Valley School Board now faces a critical test.
Will they condemn Miller’s remarks and take steps to hold him accountable, or will they remain silent and complicit in his behavior?
The answer to this question will define the Board’s credibility and integrity moving forward.
A failure to act would not just be a failure of leadership—it would be a betrayal of the students, parents, and educators who rely on the Board to uphold the district’s values.
Allowing Miller to remain in his position without consequence would send a clear message that the Board tolerates bullying, disrespect, and the use of disabilities as insults.
This is not the message we want to send to our community.
The appropriate course of action is twofold.
First, the Board must formally censure Miller for his remarks. It is a necessary step to restore trust in the Board’s leadership and reassure the community that such conduct will not be tolerated.
Second, Miller should step down as Board President. If he is unwilling to do so voluntarily, the Board should vote to remove him from this leadership role. Leadership is not a right; it is a responsibility that must be earned through integrity, respect, and service.
I make this call as a citizen, as a parent, and as a former Cajon Valley SELPA representative. Cajon Valley was wonderful to my son in the late 2000’s, and was a key part of his success. That is why I nominated his Montgomery Middle School Special Day Class Teacher Lois Wetzell for Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Special Education Teacher of the Year. She won. She changed my son’s life. Cajon Valley Union School District has had a special place in my heart ever since.
Jim Miller’s comments have no place in Cajon Valley. Miller’s behavior must be met with accountability.
This is a defining moment for the Cajon Valley Union School Board. Let’s hope they rise to the occasion.
The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
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