Don't close Sierra Crest

EDITOR:

I believe it would be a great dis-service to the community of Douglas County should the Douglas County School District refuse to renew the charter for Sierra Crest Academy.

The refusal to renew the charter would, in effect, support the idea that the current educational system in Douglas County is acceptable.

Given the fact that many of the schools were on the "watch" list, the continual turn-over of administration, and the less than stellar testing scores exhibited (both locally and statewide) it becomes evident that our current system is not functioning, nor is it beneficial to our students.

It is my opinion that the way to remedy this situation is through change. Providing alternative education for students who do not excel in a conventional classroom environment is one way to institute needed change, and has proven quite successful.

I would cite the increase nationally in the number of charter schools, and specifically the success of the charter system in Southern Nevada, most notably the charter schools affiliated with the Andre Agassi Foundation and sponsored by the Clark County School District.

Closer to home, the academic and personal improvements shown by the students fortunate enough to have attended, and are currently attending Sierra Crest Academy should be noted, and can be attested to by parents, teachers, and community members who have had contact with these young people.

The change in attitude and development of self motivation in these students has been remarkable in some cases.

I do not believe this would have occurred had there not been an alternative educational system staffed with the more than competent, compassionate professionals as is provided by Sierra Crest.

In conclusion, I realize this will not be easy. Renewing or instituting a new charter will be both difficult and challenging. It will require active participation from staff, parents, and community leaders.

Most importantly it will require dedication from the student body.

We must have a clear and relevant charter which must be adhered to, ultimately benefiting not only the students involved but the entire community.

Susan Cryderman

Gardnerville