April 17, 2024, R-C Letters to the Editor

Withdrawing from commission race

Editor:

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to formally concede the County Commissioner position that I have filed for. After much reflection and consideration, I have come to the difficult decision to concede my candidacy due to personal reasons.

However, circumstances in my personal life require my full attention and commitment at this time. While it is with a heavy heart that I concede my position as a candidate for District 3. I am confident that this decision is in the best interest of both me, my family and the constituents I have had the privilege to represent.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Douglas County, as well as to my colleagues, staff, and supporters, for their unwavering support and dedication. It was an incredible journey, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.

I will continue to support Douglas County and remain committed to serving our community in whatever capacity I can. Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and I am truly sorry for any inconvenience it may cause.

Thank you once again; It has been an honor and a privilege that I will always cherish.

Dean Paris

Gardnerville

Ben Franklin wouldn’t be a fan

Editor:

I am guessing that Benjamin Franklin is turning over in his grave, after news appeared regarding a proposal to move our local mail sorting from Reno, Nevada to Sacramento, CA.

According to an April 2024 article in the “Elks Magazine,” Ben thoroughly reformed the postal system. 

Mail service has gotten so bad during the years since Covid; this move would not improve the service.

A few weeks ago I mailed a letter from Gardnerville to Minden and it took five days to be delivered. There was no weekend, Monday mailed, Friday finally delivered.

Mary Jane Harding

Ruhenstroth

Reject Gilbert’s contract

Editor:

I have gone on the record before at School Board meetings stating that Joey Gilbert and his law firm are incompetent and overpriced.  After the April 9, board meeting, and admissions that Joey Gilbert himself made, it’s obvious that the legal guidance he has provided and allowed his associates that operated under his supervision to provide has been blatantly and knowingly inaccurate and deceptive. Since summer 2023, members of the public and minority Board Members questioned the validity of Joey Gilbert’s contract. Trustees Kangas, Gilkerson, and after her appointment, Wagstaff, cited that the contract required superintendent approval and a board vote which it indisputably never received. And for months, Joey Gilbert’s associate who is only allowed to give legal guidance under his supervision having not passed the Nevada Bar exam, gaslit the questioning board members and the public stating inaccurately that the contact had been voted on and approved by former superintendent Lewis.  Joey Gilbert has advised this associate will no longer be assisting him with DCSD matters, and that he will draw up a new contract and follow the correct approval procedures.  But why, why did he sit by allowing her to give deceptive and blatantly inaccurate legal guidance. Was it incompetence or blatant malpractice?

During the April 9 Board Meeting, Joey Gilbert explicitly said he was hired to remove Superintendent Keith Lewis. I assure you the public was not in on this plan.  If this was transparently disclosed to the public, Joey Gilbert would not have a job here (and neither would the four majority Board Members). Keith Lewis was beloved by parents, teachers, staff, and community members. There would have been an uproar if this intention was exposed when the Board was considering hiring Joey Gilbert’s firm.  Where are these plans being made? Not in front of the public. The four majority Board Members must resign - Jansen, Burns, Dickerson, and Englekirk. They should be ashamed of their deception, of the costs they have incurred which are landing on the backs of our teachers and students, and of their incredibly poor judgement in legal counsel.  At the very least, they must replace Joey Gilbert and reject his upcoming contract.

Kendra Wilson

Indian Hills

Good district despite board antics

Editor,

As a member of our community and parent of two recent Douglas High graduates, I feel compelled to address the concerns raised by certain members regarding the alleged need to “save” our schools from perceived woke ideologies. Having had my boys attend DCSD from Kindergarten through 12th grade, I can confidently attest to the exceptional quality of education they received. They benefited from the dedication of some of the finest teachers in our district, teachers who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives.  Contrary to the assertations made by some, our schools were not indoctrinating students with divisive ideologies. Instead they provided a nurturing environment where students from all walks of life could thrive academically and socially. My boys had the privilege of learning aside peers from various economic, racial, and political backgrounds, and not once did they encounter the alleged agenda being propagated by a few vocal individuals. What concerns me most is the impact these unfounded allegations are having on our educators and the wasteful expenditure of our tax dollars. Talented educators, who have dedicated themselves to shaping the minds of our youth, are being driven away by baseless accusations. This not only undermines the morale of our teaching staff but also jeopardizes the quality of education our children receive. Moreover, the diversion of resources towards addressing these manufactured concerns detracts from initiatives that could truly benefit our schools and students. Instead of fostering a climate of fear and suspicion, we should be investing in programs that promote academic excellence, inclusivity, and diversity of thought. In conclusion, I urge our community, particularly our large retired voting population, to critically evaluate the unsubstantiated claims being circulated. These school board members were voted in by individuals who believed their campaign messaging that our schools needed to be “saved”. I urge you to join me in calling for the immediate resignation of these school board members. Our children deserve leaders who are dedicated, competent, and committed to their education.  It is imperative that we take action to ensure that our educational system is led by individuals who prioritize the best interests of our community.

Stacie Gunderson 

Johnson Lane

Lack of accountability

Editor:

As a member of our community, I feel compelled to address the concerning lack of accountability within our school board. It is disheartening to witness the finger-pointing and evasion of responsibility that has become all too common among those entrusted with the education of our children.

Despite being in office for over 15 months, it is alarming that the school board still struggles to grasp the basics of open meeting laws. This failure not only reflects poorly on their competence but also undermines the trust of the public they are meant to serve.

Furthermore, the pattern of chasing out competent staff members due to their inability to work effectively with others is unacceptable. Instead of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, it appears that the board’s dysfunction has driven away valuable talent, leaving a void that burdens remaining staff and hampers the quality of education provided to our students.

As a result of these shortcomings, it is regrettable that members of our community, myself included, have been forced to become experts in various legal and procedural matters simply to hold our school board accountable. This should not be our responsibility as citizens; it is the duty of our elected officials to uphold the standards of transparency and governance that our community deserves.

In the interest of our children’s future and the integrity of our educational system, I urge the school board to take immediate action to address these issues. Accountability, transparency, and effective leadership are not optional—they are essential for the well-being of our community and the success of our students.

Jennifer Wilson

Gardnerville

Hope voters are paying attention

Editor:

I had an opportunity over the past few weeks to observe our school district in action. The results were very mixed.

I attended the March 27 writ of mandamus proceeding before District Judge Tom Gregory. Mid-hearing (after some very bizarre testimony from Trustee Susan Jansen), the plaintiffs Jansen, Burns, Englekirk and Dickerson basically capitulated, and agreed to all terms sought by the plaintiffs. And, we, the taxpayers, have to pick up the legal fees for both sides because the four failed to perform their duties, upon the expensive and inept advice of Counsel Joey Gilbert. And, we have to pay him, too.

On April 8, I attended a meet-and-greet with acting superintendent (and everything else) Jeannie Dwyer. It was a refreshing and informative session as Ms. Dwyer offered her reasons for wanting to be appointed superintendent to officially lead the district she’s been holding up for the last five months. About 40 or 50 people attended. It gave me confirmation that Ms. Dwyer was the right choice for the permanent position.

On April 9, I watched the six-hour school board meeting. Guess what? The majority of trustees voted not to appoint Ms. Dwyer as superintendent. Trustees Englekirk and Dickerson spoke of how they listen to their “higher powers” in making decisions for the district, and Ms. Dwyer just might not be the best fit. 

I would like trustees Englekirk and Dickerson to know that I have a higher power, too. Mine does not go by the last name of “Burns” or “Starrett.”

In an eloquent statement, Ms. Dwyer said she would not be applying with the eight other applicants if the board majority didn’t feel she was doing a good enough job to give her the position.

As a final indignity, the board loaded Ms. Dwyer up with application reviews and deadlines in an effort to find her own replacement. She accepted the assignment with grace, as she has everything else for the past five months. 

My hope is that Douglas County voters are paying close attention and will turn these fools out at the earliest opportunity. We have a good start in November by voting for Errin Miller to unseat Mr. Englekirk, and Melinda Gneiting to replace Linda Gilkerson who is not seeking re-election and has so valiantly kept the public informed about what’s really going on.

Sheila Gardner

Gardnerville

Disheartening Dwyer didn’t get job

Editor:

I found it disheartening, though not surprising, that four members of our schoolboard refused to appoint Ms. Jeannie Dwyer as the new Douglas County School District Superintendent, despite the fact that she has clearly demonstrated her ability to serve outstandingly in that role. Trustees Burns, Jansen, Englekirk, and Dickerson continue to make decisions that harm our district in so many ways. The talent/expertise/brain drain that they have directly caused is indescribable. The morale of district staff continues to take hard hits because of the decisions of these four individuals. The public distrust is reaching never before seen heights. The financial cost to taxpayers is absolutely jaw-dropping. And what exactly are these board members doing to improve the education of our students? Our top notch teachers and staff are continuing to maintain excellence without the support of these four board members, but an already challenging job has been made all the more difficult. The district could very well find it a real burden to fill positions with the schoolboard “clown show” so readily apparent. Who would want to work for DCSD with all the uncertainty and turmoil?

Who are these four trustees? What exactly is their endgame? Why do they time and time again refuse to hear what their constituents are saying? Until there is a majority on the board comprised of thinking, reasonable, and aware people who possess integrity, DCSD will run the risk of losing its stellar reputation. We must have schoolboard members who are non-partisan, free of personal agendas, and not beholden to a very small group of “advisors.”

Come November’s general election, the voters of Douglas County will have the opportunity and the power to demonstrate Democracy at work. They can change the dynamics of the schoolboard and place the focus back onto the students. They can vote out trustees who are ineffective and damaging and install trustees who can do so much better. I implore you to vote for Erinn Miller and Melinda Gneiting. Your vote can make such a difference to the families, district staff, and taxpayers, and most especially, to the students attending our schools. It has been made abundantly clear that Douglas County deserves a better board. We all need to do our part to make that happen.

Bobby Goodspeed

Gardnerville

Board effects go beyond schools

Editor:

As a resident who moved to this community for its esteemed school system, I’ve witnessed a distressing decline in the Douglas County school district since the recent school board election. Initially drawn by the outstanding reputation of our schools and the dedication of Superintendent Keith Lewis, my family chose to make this community our home.

However, the actions of certain school board members, including Jansen, Dickerson, Burns, and Englekirk, along with their concerning hire of DUI attorney Joey Gilbert, have led to detrimental changes. These changes have not only impacted the morale of our educators but have also resulted in reckless decisions that are affecting our budget and the overall quality of education.

As a real estate broker with extensive experience in this area, I’ve observed the economic repercussions of these developments firsthand. The recent report by the Sierra Nevada Realtors revealing a 20.8 percent decrease in home values in Douglas County compared to neighboring areas is deeply concerning. Families are choosing to relocate due to apprehensions about the direction of our schools, resulting in significant economic losses for our community.

In just the past 8 months, I’ve assisted three families in leaving our community solely due to their concerns about the current state of the school board. It’s heartbreaking to see families uprooting their lives and abandoning their dream homes because of the uncertainty surrounding our schools.

It’s imperative that every member of our community, regardless of whether they have children in the district, recognizes the gravity of these developments. Local elections matter, and we must elect leaders who prioritize the well-being of our schools and the future of our children.

Ginger Nicolay Davis

Gardnerville

A study in malfunction

Editor:

Chaos reigns supreme at the Douglas County School Board. Between meetings without structure to bullying board members to feckless choices, this board is a study in malfunction.

On the April 9, 2024, agenda, there was an item to correct a previous item which was determined to be a violation of the Open Meeting Law. That item was an offer of the permanent superintendent job to Jeannie Dwyer. During the previous meeting, Mrs. Dwyer was supported by five members, opposed by none, and with two abstaining. During that meeting, all of them had complimentary things to say about Mrs. Dwyer’s tenure as the acting superintendent.

Fast forward to this last meeting and the motion failed, 4-3. If you’ve been watching the board meetings, you know the composition of the four. And you also know who is influencing them.

To Doug Englekirk, the swing vote in this case, it’s really difficult to watch a man who has a reputation as a decent guy take this damaging vote. Additionally, Doug asked Jeannie if she’d be willing to put her name in for additional consideration with the other applicants. For more punishment, perhaps? Read the room. Mrs. Dwyer’s resounding no and eloquent explanation afterward illustrates what this bunch has wrought. It also shows how steady Mrs. Dwyer is and that trait will be missed at the top of the district.

We need to hope, perhaps against hope, that somehow, someway this board will see the error of its ways. Given its 16-month track record and the damage done in that brief time, it is unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, vote like your community depends on you, because we all do. Elections have consequences, both good and bad. This election is especially important. The entire community needs a healthy school district led by quality people. Let’s all vote that way.

Cheryl Blomstrom

Jacks Valley

Abortion letter in bad taste

Editor:

Responding to a letter in the April 3, 2024, Record Courier issue titled “Do the Abortion Yourself.” Thomas Kephart suggested that if a “girl” needs “an abortion she must do it herself.” Kephart is entitled to his own opinions but is the Record Courier following its own policy of not publishing letters that are in poor taste. Is it in good taste for them to publish a letter suggesting that “girls” should go back to pre-Roe v Wade when desperate women had abortions through unsafe, so-called back-alley procedures, and many did try to induce abortions themselves? The outcome was often infection and hemorrhaging that resulted in death. I think the letter is not only in “poor taste”, it also doesn’t contribute to the discussion of a serious issue. 

R. Valdes

Minden

An older American on abortion access

Editor:

A recent letter to the Record-Courier pulled a trigger, and I must respond. In the April 3 opinion section, Thomas Kephart stated: “If a girl wants an abortion she must do it herself.” Maybe it was meant as a joke, but I don’t think so.

During the pre-Roe era, when I was a teenager, the well-to-do parents of a friend who became pregnant whisked her off to a foreign country where abortions were legal. I was also aware that well-connected individuals who had friends in the medical community could “arrange” to have some type of procedure that would terminate their pregnancy but not be considered an abortion. Most young women and their families were left to figure it out on their own. Many botched abortions were the result. The disparity in access to care mostly impacted people of color and the poor.

Roe v. Wade passed to improve the health and safety of the living. It is also important to consider the impact of reproductive choice over the last 50 years on educational attainment, labor force participation and the earnings of women who now bear increasing responsibility for the financial well being of their families.

In the post-Roe era, there is a resurgence of poor medical outcomes in states where abortion access has been made difficult. The impact is greatest on poor and marginalized communities. Nevada has been spared much of the anguish by allowing access to what is generally a very safe procedure. We must continue to assure that the need for a medical procedure is not in the hands of politicians.

Barbara Kuehner

Gardnerville