Letter: Story, photos show recruiter’s plight

Thursday, June 15, 2006 | 7:18 a.m.

Emily Richmond's June 11 feature on "The Recruiter," supported by R. Marsh Starks' photography, was a brilliant way of exposing the shortcomings in the Clark County School District's recruitment strategy. The Sun didn't have to resort to extracting muckraking comments from anyone - the truth of the situation Kim Grytdahl faced in going to Anaheim, Calif., spoke volumes to us. My appreciation goes out to Mr. Grytdahl for allowing the reporters to show his very human side.

As the spouse of a Clark County School District employee, I recognize how iconic the photograph of Grytdahl buying candy in Kmart is in showing how educators have to dig into their own pockets for the extras to make their material more attractive. One wonders if the district reimbursed him for the purchase, especially considering that he didn't take a sit-down lunch during his one-man show. The Spartan "Clark County School District" sign shows the nearsightedness we can face in a bureaucracy.

If the School District doesn't hire from outside its own ranks, it can too easily forget there are many people who don't know where Clark County is. And, finally, the image of Grytdahl staring at the San Diego City Schools dolphin poster leaves us very thankful that Grytdahl continues to work here. Leaders are something we can't afford competing recruiters to coax away from our district.

Lest I become just another Las Vegan who is quick to criticize, but not willing to personally offer help, I'd be happy to provide rights to a panoramic image of Red Rock National Conservation Area for Grytdahl and other recruiters to use.

Gary A. Reese, Las Vegas