Update: Former candidate takes seat on school board

The woman who ran against Tony Magnotta in the 2020 school board election was selected as the new school board trustee on Tuesday.

Johnson Lane resident Yvonne Wagstaff was selected to the school board after trustees deadlocked 3-3, but President Susan Jansen took a break before returning and switching her vote. Trustee Katherine Dickerson switched her vote as well, bringing the vote to 6-0.

“I liked all the candidates, but the answers that Yvonne gave really touched my heart,” said Jansen during the meeting.

During the meeting, three candidates for the trustee seat were asked a series of questions including defining the acronyms CRT, SEL and DEI and what is their position on the terms; what their opinion on a policy discussed in May that supports women’s sports and safe spaces; and what are some of their biggest concerns within the Douglas County School District.

“I think we need to take into account every student, so we can make the best decision for every student,” Wagstaff said. “I know there are many issues that have been addressed within Douglas County but keeping an open mind and listening to all sides before making any decisions is vital to the best possible outcome.”

Wagstaff has lived in the area for nearly 10 years. She has six children, three who are Douglas High School graduates and three still attending the high school and Carson Valley Middle school. She has worked as a playground aid and in the special education department at Piñon Hills Elementary school for six years. 

After Wagstaff was sworn in, new officers were selected for the new year. 

David Burns was elected as president with Linda Gilkerson as vice president and Katherine Dickerson as clerk.

Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, it was announced that the board has received nine applicants for the superintendent position. The board plans to choose the top three candidates then proceed with the hiring process including a special board meeting to interview the candidates and a meet and greet for teachers, students, parents, stakeholders and constituents.  

“We’re not just hiring someone, but we want to bring in someone who feels good about our community and our schools and for our community, students, teachers and staff to feel good about them,” said Gilkerson. “This is not about us, it’s about our teachers and our community.”

The process to move forward with the hiring of a superintendent was approved 5-2, with Gilkerson and Kangas against.

A special meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Feb. 6. The meet and greet is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Douglas High School Media Center.

According to the district, nine people applied for the position.