Soderman's the choice

Congratulation to John Soderman on being named superintendent of schools by the Douglas County School Board, which made a wise decision in selecting someone with long experience in the district.

Soderman has filled in well since October's departure of former superintendent Pendery Clark. His familiarity with Douglas schools -- from teacher to principal to personnel director -- will give the district a smooth transition. He is the first Douglas superintendent to come from within the district in many years.

More so, school board members were satisfied, after interviewing two other finalists, Soderman was the best choice.

Some might wonder whether a national search, which cost the district $12,000, was really necessary. After all, Soderman was already doing the job as interim superintendent.

However, the search gave board members the opportunity to measure Soderman against the best available. He passed the test.

Southerland's farewell

In Carson City, we wanted to say thanks to Doug Southerland for his 26 years at the Nevada State Museum, which helped to develop into the pride of Carson City.

Southerland has retired as exhibit director, ending a tenure in which he was the guiding force in 47 full gallery exhibitions.

We hesitate to guess how many thousands of Nevada schoolchildren -- not to mention their parents, grandparents and visitors to the state capital -- were educated in the history and geology of the Silver State through Southerland's work.

For many, something they saw at the Nevada State Museum is their longest-lasting impression of Carson City. The mix of information, wonder and historical context visitors take away from the museum is, in large part, Southerland's legacy.