Letter: Let School Board members do their job

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006 | 8:17 a.m.

Like many other concerned parents, I watched the Clark County School District's search for a superintendent with interest. Although many parents such as myself supported Eric Nadelstern and his vision of more independently run schools, I was troubled by the increasing involvement of the Council for a Better Nevada.

This group certainly has the right to publicly endorse candidates, however its trip to New York and comments regarding the School Board gave the appearance that it was trying to exert an undue amount of influence on the selection process.

As voters, we have elected the School Board to make just such critical decisions and if we disagree with its choice, it is accountable to the community on Election Day. I was also disappointed with members of the council's comments regarding the School Board.

The School Board is an elected body that we should hope will vigorously debate and deliberate over issues of this magnitude. The School Board has disagreed innumerable times over the years and, once the votes have been counted, has continued to work together in a professional manner.

It appears from news reports that the council's involvement in the process ultimately did more to hurt Mr. Nadelstern's chances than to help them. Let us hope that the next time around the School Board will be treated with the respect and patience needed to ensure it makes the best possible decision for our children.

Lorrie Curriden

Las Vegas

The writer is a member of the Staton Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization Board and is a also a member of the Clark County School District's Northwest Regional Educational Advisory Board.