Binkle resigns LAUSD post

David Binkle has formally resigned his position as director of the Food Services Division of the Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) in the wake of charges stemming from an investigation into the district meal program’s finances and operational procedures.

Binkle had held the post since February 2012 before being being placed on administrative leave last December 4 following an investigation prompted by an audit report from the LAUSD Office of the Inspector General that found inappropriate spending, mismanagement, contractual issues and ethical breaches within the Food Services Division. Binkle continued to receive his salary while under the suspension.

Among the charges in that report were that Binkle had violated ethical codes that included failure to report his ownership of a food-based consulting business.

The resignation was effective July 31. The Food Services Division is currently headed on an interim basis by Deputy Directors Laura Benavidez and Timikel Sharpe.

During his tenure at LAUSD, Binkle was celebrated for aggressively trying to upgrade the school meal program with initiatives like an expanded breakfast in the classroom program and a new supper meal program.

He came to the district in 2008 after a successful turn as nutrition services director for the Duncanville ISD in Texas. He previously served under Dennis Barrett with the Dallas ISD. He and Barrett then reunited at LAUSD where the latter was director. Binkle succeeded Barrett in the top post upon the latter’s retirement.

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]