"These comments are indicative of the kind of thoughtless tone I find so appalling."

Thank you Aireweare, I completely agree. Our teachers have enough difficulties trying to teach an incredibly transient student population, and now they have to suffer the indignities of ignorant, baseless comments. How sad.

Let's focus on CCSD's successes (how quickly they are forgotten!):
1. CCSD is the ONLY one of the top 10 largest school district to achieve AYP two years in a row. Let's say it again: TWO YEARS IN A ROW. Nicely done!
2. US News & World Report recognized six CCSD high schools in their feature on the best high schools in America.
3. The Nevada Taxpayer's Association granted the Good Government award to CCSD's Facilities Division for its energy-saving program
4. The American Productivity & Quality Center named CCSD a "Best Practices" school district.

Check out more good news at ccsd.net/news.

Is there room for improvement? Of course! CCSD strives for continual improvement. I certainly don't have the answers as to where the budget cuts need to come from, but I do know that attacking each other is not the answer. These are tough times indeed.

I was glad to see the point made by MichaelGreen. Our State has many representatives, and as MichaelGreen pointed out Senator Horsford was elected to represent Clark County. I also found Gov. Jim Gibbons' comments about having his veto overridden lame. Gov. Gibbons is so obviously trying not to be the bad guy. These are tough times that call for tough decisions by real leaders. When is the next election for Governor?

As we all face the impacts budget cuts will have on us, I am heartened to see how many are working together to find solutions. Our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, administrators, casino dealers, porters, maids, waitresses, salespeople, students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, etc - all of us are cautiously awaiting decisions from our companies, legislators, or boards. Eliminating the early retirement incentive is just one of many tough decisions that need to be made. I have no doubt the District conducted a cost benefit analysis and determined this cut would save money. It's important for all of us to use our voice and provide input; to be in charge of our destiny and not victims of our own apathy. Write your legislator, attend public input meetings, and let your voice be heard.