Editor:

As a teacher at Northeast Vernon County, I want to thank the voters of this district for their support on April 6. A yes vote for Proposition S will ensure continued academic success and the beginning of our ability to bring the students of NEVC into the 21st century in technology.

One of the most important reasons to combine the high school and the elementary into one campus is the reduction of current costs in maintaining both campuses. Allowing the administration to be more fiscally responsible with the district dollars will free up many of those same dollars to be used in academic areas. Currently, our music teacher, our coach, our counselor and our librarian travel each day between the two schools. One location will mean these teachers no longer have to spend time and money traveling to and from the two towns and they will be available to the staff on a full time basis instead of half day at each campus.

A new facility will also mean up to date facilities for the use of technology. We have the ability to write grants for Smartboards and computers for our school. We don’t have the ability to wire them into our existing buildings. Imagine having computers in each classroom that work and that will be available to teachers and to students for projects and information needed in an ever-changing world.

Combining the two campuses into one new location will unite the two communities in a strong positive way. A sense of school pride and unity in two separate towns will enhance the NEVC student experience. Most students attending NEVC have generational roots in either Walker or Schell. The central location will allow that feeling of belonging to continue and to grow as we grow together under one roof.

Regardless of what you may have heard for or against the new school, vote for education. Vote yes for Proposition S on April 6, 2010.

Robin Coleman

Editor,

We have been residents of the Northeast Vernon County School District for the last nine years and currently have a daughter in the first grade and have a son that will be in the Pre-school program in the fall of 2011 at the NEVC School. We are members of the NEVC Kids First Committee, supporting Proposition “S” which is a tax levy increase of $0.94 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation that will pave the way for the construction of a new school for the Northeast Vernon County School District, near Harwood. We fully support this proposition as we are proud parents of a NEVC student and we feel that this school’s construction will allow all the students in the school district, the necessary resources to further their outstanding scholastic achievements. The school district is already academically doing well, as it is fully accredited. The most recent Annual
Performance Report (APR) gave them 12 out of 14 points. The school district is in no danger of closing in the future. The NEVC
Board of Education has also proven that they have spent money wisely, as shown in an increase in the district’s balance during the last financial audit.

So, why do we need a new school then? Several reasons: First, the inefficiencies of having to run two campuses, one in Schell City (Elementary) and one in Walker (Middle School and High School). Second, the significant energy costs associated with housing these two very outdated buildings and the yearly cost of fixing the old school buildings vs. building a new school.
There are also numerous concerns about safety, structural damage and outdated infrastructure. These certainly affect our students and the staff. We believe that the facilities, especially the classroom conditions, do have an impact on student learning. Can you imagine the excitement of a child learning in the new school, using some of the new resources that they have been without, because the old school’s wiring would not allow it’s use? The NEVC students have achieved many successes over the last several years in spite of the outdated facilities.

We believe that by improving the current conditions and that increasing access to current technological advancements will have an even greater impact on student academic achievement. Now is the perfect time as building costs are lower than they have been for a while and there is some stimulus money available to help support the building of a new school. If we wait too long to build a new school, the stimulus money will no longer be available and there will be more cost to the school district’s residents.

So, what will a new school mean to the community? We will be able to recruit and retain quality educational staff to teach our children. We will also have improved educational opportunities for many years to come for our children, our grandchildren and so on. The support of our community to pass Proposition “S” affirms our commitment to the future to provide the best possible education for all students in our district. The cost of Proposition “S” is small compared to what our children’s education and future is worth. It is critical for our community to come together to support such a worthy cause. The building of this school will help ensure our small community’s future success. Please support our community by voting “Yes” to Proposition “S” on April 6.

Proud supporters of NEVC School and Proposition “S”
Bill and Alison Alexander

Editor:

When we think of Hollywood, we often think of the violence and filth that so many times comes across the silver screen and the television screen. Even some of Hollywood’s leading people admit to this. But Hollywood’s legacy is not all bad. Some good examples have come out of the movie capital of the world.

Hollywood serves as a good example of showing Americans how people with disabilities are productive and equal members of society. Many movies and programs have people with assistive devices and major handicaps doing regular jobs and functioning in normal situations.

Hollywood has told the story of America like no other medium. From the Pilgrims at Plymouth to the heroes of 9-11, it has been Hollywood that has shown us America’s finest moments and helped define our most tragic hours.

Hundreds of Hollywood movies and other features have shown the life and works of Jesus Christ to the world. No doubt someone along the way has become a Christian because they saw something that Hollywood made that dealt with Jesus.

Most importantly, it has been Hollywood, more than any other facet of society that has taught us to get along by showing examples of people of all races and backgrounds working together, playing together, raising families together.

So the next time you get ready to curse the movie industry, think of the good, not the bad. And remember, you can avoid that bad stuff by not watching it.

David Shipp
Nevada