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The News-Press 9
May 2, 2013
We’re not in Kansas, school board s
As a 27-year-plus resident of Douglas County, I can remember vic-being excited and proud to be asvidu-sociated with the Douglas County s areSchool District and its board. d notMy wife and I shepherded four children through Douglas County’s etherschool system, and have an overactu-whelmingly positive story about er hethe district’s school system. on of In 1995, I and a cadre of parents ess toembarked on an immense chalgedy. lenge with DCSD — we initiated a safe-charter school, one of the district’s g onfirst. As we built our needed partnernd ining relationships with the district g thisstaff, the board, the League of sameCharter Schools and the state, ear-we found more than a willing tisanaudience. We found that we were welcomed as a force for making a great education program even stronger. We were encouraged, supported, advised without hesitation, particularly by the district staff and board members. The model of education we were introducing to the District was Montessori — different from, but
Gessler Continued from Page 8
Colorado saw a spike in provisional ballots this last election, because people changed their minds and wanted to vote in person, rather than by mail. But now everyone will receive a mail ballot — even if they don’t want one because they fear intimidation. Even now, the Town of Center faces vote
Smith Continued from Page 8
Some of us get carried away and put costumes on our dogs. I wouldn’t dare, but I have seen pictures of dachshunds in foam hot dog buns with a foam
supported and babied along the way by every department, and were welcomed with open arms by our school board. Today, 16 years later, DCS Montessori proudly stands beside our partner schools in the county, providing quality education for in-district children as well as open-enrolled students. Now the rub. What a sad difference to read about, and hear the stories of, a dramatic shift in that partnering spirit, especially shown by a majority of our present board members. The politicized character of the discussion about school choice that surrounds the debate about the proposed voucher program is disturbing, not because there’s anything wrong with the idea, but because of the polarized and polemic discourse. From here, this looks like a group of people who have an ideological agenda and are intent on hammering it into place with little or no regard for real listening and hearing of reasoned debate. The ads bashing the AFL-CIO, the
complementary to, “traditional” models of educating. We were not seen as a threat of any kind, but as a worthwhile expansion of educational choice. In fact, during our consultations with DCSD staff, we were enjoined to make sure we consulted the district teachers — they were a valuable constituency. We viewed this as a challenge, because we were to be hiring certified Montessori instructors who are not represented by any union, so we wondered how we would be received. We were relieved and delighted at the warm, supportive welcome, and got lasting counsel from them. After an eventful and sometimes grueling two-year “project,” we had an approved charter. We were
fraud charges because, as one witness said: “Once everyone gets a mail ballot in their mailbox, in some communities like mine, the bad guys will be there to intimidate them. They don’t get to say, `I don’t get a mail ballot. I go to the polls.’” We should take time to get it right, because we can fix many problems. But the Democratic majority refuses to compromise. We should take the time to get it right. Photo identification and proof of citizenship for late registrations dramati-
cally reduce the chances for fraud, but Democrats refuse to even consider that. And Colorado should allow people the option to refuse a mail ballot and vote in person. From the start, Democrats have frozen out anyone who might disagree with them, refusing common-sense compromises. Colorado voters deserve better.
squiggle of mustard. People, ex-friends, have sent these pictures to me. Hardy har har. Good-bye. Hang by your thumbs. Sure, they look ridiculous, but they’re not. They are fine and decent and thoughtful little men and women, intent upon salving the wounds of existence. Guess who took care of
me when I had a miserable winter cold? Guess who stayed by my side during the disturbing narrative of the Boston Marathon? It’s got me loving him, madly.
Scott Gessler, a Republican, was elected Colorado secretary of state in 2010.
Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU If you would like to share your opinion, go to www.ourcoloradonews.com or write a letter to the editor of 300 words or less. Include your name, full address and the best telephone number to contact you. Please send letters to letters@ourcoloradonews.com.
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ACLU, the teachers, and anyone else who happens to think that the free expression of religion is different from a subsidized expression of religion are repulsive tactics. To those who say, “well the other side is doing it too, and worse,” I say there doesn’t have to be sides — my experience is that reasoned people can find a solution for improving our school choices without taking sides — just engaging in discourse. And I use my chartering experience as proof of that premise. The present atmosphere in DCSD reminds me of the debates that are happening in school districts one state to our east — not a pretty sight. So, my message to the board members at issue here: “We’re not in Kansas, Toto.” Please reclaim and regenerate that quality of creativity, listening and partnering that has for so long characterized our district’s leadership of our district. Randy Nicholas is a resident of Highlands Ranch.
Donald Joseph Walpole
November 26, 1935 ~ March 28, 2013
Donald Joseph Walpole, 77 of Castle Rock, died March 28, 2013. Born on November 26, 1935 in Chicago, Il., to John and Mae Walpole. Survived by his spouse Joyce Walpole and children James (Danell), Christopher (Angie), Carron (Tommy) and Mark (Nicole). Grandchildren Chazz, Gage, Joseph, Alexandra, Chelsea, Chantz, Serena, Ethan and Conner. Sister Patricia and predeceased by brother Robert. Remembered for his lifelong service to the Chicago Fire Department. Services were held on Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Memorial contributions can be made in Donald’s name to the Salvation Army.
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NE Public Events Honor Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Three free public events commemorate Douglas County’s celebration of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month on Sat., May 18. Events include a tour of the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve; an open house at the Spring Valley School; a celebration commemorating Preservation Month and Armed Forces Day. The commemoration is sponsored by the Douglas County Historic Preservation Board. For more information please visit www.douglas.co.us/ historic/ or call 303.660.7460.
Household Chemical Roundup May 11 Parker The first of three, drive-through Household Chemical Roundups, will be held on May 11, at the Parker Joint Services Center, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These events are hosted by the Tri-County Health Department, and offered free-of-charge to Douglas County residents. Participants will be asked for a $25 contribution to help offset the high costs of hazardous waste disposal and will be asked to verify residency. For more information including a map and a list of acceptable items, please visit www.tchd.org/ householdchemical.htm
2013 CDBG Action Plan Open House May 13
Help Douglas County prioritize the distribution of more than $750,000 in CDBG funds for the 2013 program year by attending the 2013 Annual Action Plan Open House on May 13, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m., Philip S. Miller Building, Castle Rock. To qualify for funding, CDBG initiatives must meet one of the local objectives identified in Douglas County’s 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan, including economic development, community services and affordable housing. To RSVP for the Open House or for more information contact Tina Dill at 303.660.7460 or via e-mail at tdill@douglas. co.us. For more information on the CDBG program visit www. douglas.co.us/CDBG.
County Offers Free Mulch May 11 and 18 to Residents Douglas County residents are invited to pick up free mulch on Sat., May 11 and Sat., May 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Caprice Dr. in Castle Rock. For more information please visit www.douglas.co.us/ publicworks/slash-mulchprogram/
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