July 24, 2024, R-C Letters to the Editor

Another bad deal for school district

Editor:

Once again, the illustrious majority of the Douglas County School Board (Burns, Dickerson, Englekirk and Jansen) have successfully negotiated another bad deal for the School District and more importantly, for the taxpayers of Douglas County.

Not to be outdone with the legal contract for Joey Gilbert, the new contract for the superintendent is detrimental to the district and could potentially cost the district more than $500,000 if the unproven new hire is not up to the job. He has never served as a superintendent and is new to Nevada.

The majority of the School Board approved a contract with the new superintendent that includes a four-year term and a severance payout equal to the salary and benefits for the full term of the contract in the case of termination without cause. Those contract terms are unheard of in Nevada, totally unnecessary, and fiscally outrageously foolish.

This stems from incompetent and inexperienced legal counsel who failed to provide adequate counsel to protect the taxpayers of Douglas County.

Moreover, it should be noted that the minority of the Board (Gilkerson, Kangas and Wagstaff) rightfully requested a contract of three years and a probationary period of one year. I applaud their failed efforts. When Trustee Wagstaff asked the new superintendent whether he would accept a probationary period, President Burns cut him off from answering the question. Burns literally prevented a contract with more favorable terms for the school district.

Having served on the Douglas County School Board for a decade, and having negotiated a contract with a new Superintendent, I find this Board’s majority’s action to be irresponsible, inexcusable and a dereliction of their fiduciary responsibility to protect the taxpayers of Douglas County. This to me is just cause for their termination from the School Board. They have successfully proven they are not capable of serving the taxpayers and the students of Douglas County. At least their track record is consistent.

David J. Brady

Minden

Mental health top of mind

Editor:

Mental health is a prominent topic in today’s world. Many people focus on mental health, self-care, and well-being during the cold winter months when days are short and seasonal depression is common. People often believe that summer is a time of ease and joy due to the longer days, warmer weather, and more activities to get out and connected to others. 

As a mental health administrator, I see how often this misconception can cause people to stop checking in on those around them, or not recognize signs or symptoms that indicate someone is struggling with their mental health. 

Five things to look for in your loved ones, friends, neighbors, and members of our community that can indicate they are struggling with their mental health are:

Changes in behavior, such as loss of interest in their normal activities, sleeping too much or too little, or mood swings. 

Withdrawal from social activities, including avoidance of social gatherings and showing a lack of interest in maintaining connections and relationships. 

Neglecting self-care, including disregard for personal hygiene, weight changes, or not engaging in regular self-care activities. 

Increased irritability or emotional outbursts that can be sudden, intense, and unexpected.

Expressing hopelessness, whether in regards to life in general or specific areas, such as relationships, jobs, school, wellbeing, etc. 

If you think someone might be struggling with their mental health, reaching out to check on them might be the lifeline they need. There are resources available for mental health services throughout our community, and sometimes connecting people to those services is the helping hand needed to get them started on the recovery process.

9-8-8 is the new nationwide mental health crisis hotline with trained mental health professionals to answer the phones 24/7 to help anyone in need. Being part of a small town and tight-knit community means supporting your friends, neighbors, and other community members, and that is as important now as it ever has been. If you know someone who might be showing signs of mental health struggles, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them and provide the connection that could save their life. 

Erin Dudley

Gardnerville

Aspire offers important choice

Editor:

I am from Leadership Douglas County class of 2024.  L.D.C. has introduced us to many organizations and we have heard from their incredible leaders.  

These meetings allow us to learn about what each business or organization does, who they serve, how they operate, and the wonderful opportunities they provide to our community.

Recently we had the amazing opportunity to visit Aspire High School. During our tour we heard from the school Principal, Gavin Ward, who informed us that Aspire is a school for those students who desire a different option than traditional school. Aspire is designed for those students who wish to operate at their own pace. The student can choose from in class or on-line participation or a combination of both. The students at Aspire are no different than other high schools. The students at Aspire are driven, motivated and must achieve the same standards of excellence in order to graduate. 

During our tour we heard the term “Aspire family” and this is mainly because the school is much smaller than the average high school. We had several students who took time out of their schedules to share why Aspire works for them and most importantly why this school is so important to them. 

In addition, Aspire has designated students who are school ambassadors and you can see from their enthusiasm how much they love and care for their school. Aspire students are offered the same opportunities to learn and grow as other high schools.

Several of our town members have labeled Aspire as a school for those with discipline problems which is not accurate. The students at Aspire are not discipline problems but extraordinary students who have conditions which prevent them from attending Douglas High School or they simply chose another route than traditional high school. Students at Aspire Academy take pride in their school and in the opportunity they are given. After reading this, It is my hope that everyone will give Aspire students. faculty. and staff the respect they deserve.  

 Chris Wiggins

Gardnerville 

Veterans of Foreign Wars seek members

Editor:

On behalf of Carson Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8583 we would like to invite all qualified veterans of foreign wars to join us at our next meeting on Aug.12, Social gathering at 5:30 p.m. meeting at 7 p.m. at the Tahoe Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 located at 1227 Kimmerling Road, Gardnerville in the Gardnerville Ranchos.  Due to the generous support of the Gardnerville Elks Lodge No.2670 we are able hold meeting monthly on the second Monday each month.  We are an association of overseas campaign veterans dedicated to preserving and strengthening comradeship among its members, to assist with worthy comrades, to perpetuate the memory and history or our dead and maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States, foster patriotism and preserve and defend the U.S. from all of her enemies. We would love to see you on Aug. 12 and welcome you into our post.

Ricky Miller

Minden

Supreme Court ruling wrong

Editor:

The Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity cannot coexist with a democracy.

There is no text in the constitution that can be cited to support it. In fact, there is text in the constitution that clearly refutes the position of these so-called “textualists”. Further, these so-called “originalists” have blatantly and deliberately rejected the core intention of our founding fathers. These so-called “conservatives” have no concern for either past precedent or future consequences.

This can only be interpreted as the court deciding in favor of a fascist future. 

You don’t need to study history very closely to learn how tricky it can be to stay in a dictator’s good graces. There will eventually be a fight for power between Trump and the justices. Do they think they will issue a new emergency ruling when the Proud Boys bust down their doors at 2 a.m.? They believe they have made a power grab for themselves. But, in actuality, they have made the rule of force supreme, while they are armed only with legal papers.

Timothy Goldsmith

Minden