June 11, 2010

Families, Employees and Community Members of the
Douglas County School District,

The Board of Education serves the students, parents and patrons of the District by setting the policies that guide public education in our community. One of the most critical responsibilities of the Board is regularly assessing the District’s needs, together with the community’s aspirations, in order to develop an educational program consistent with the community’s available resources.

Over the past several months, the Board has carefully considered the possibility of a bond and/or budget election to help alleviate some of the negative impacts that declining state revenues pose for the education of our students. The Board has: 1) evaluated the assessed value of property in the county and its economic impact on the School District; 2) held several meetings with the District’s financial advisors; 3) taken public comment at numerous board meetings and other public venues; 4) analyzed input from groups such as the District Advisory Committee and the Fiscal Oversight Committee; and 5) reviewed polling data intended to help ascertain the overall public sentiment with respect to an election. This detailed and diligent process has helped the Board gain a strong understanding of the facts and an accurate view of the possibilities.

Based on the information gathered and the ensuing discussions, the Board has concluded that a bond and/or budget election is more likely to succeed in November of 2011 than in 2010. While we wish the climate were better for an election this year, it is evident that the severe economic downturn continues to weigh heavily on the minds of Douglas County voters.

Continued shared sacrifice is necessary as we confront the effects of what will likely be several more years of severe revenue shortfalls caused by shrinking state revenues. Employee wages will be frozen again for next year and workloads will increase. Students, teachers and families will find larger class sizes, new and increased fees, reduction or elimination of some programs, and fewer support staff to accomplish the critical mission of our District. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the current economic realities facing the state and our local community.

These challenging times require unprecedented organizational focus, drive and energy. The Board is already laying the necessary groundwork to ensure Douglas County School District is, and will continue to be, a high-achieving organization that meets our community’s educational needs and aspirations.

This groundwork includes:

Hiring DCSD’s next superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen;
Creating a new and more extensive teacher evaluation system which will be the basis for a performance-based compensation program;
Honoring community values by increasing educational choices;
Launching the financial transparency website; and
Engaging more community members by holding Board meetings in schools throughout the District.

While we are hopeful for a 2011 election, the Board also recognizes that if public sentiment and current economic conditions do not improve, it may be imprudent to ask our community for additional funds in 2011 as well. We further understand that building strong community awareness over the coming year will likely result in improved public sentiment toward an election decision in 2011. We ask you to participate in creating a shared vision for the District as it navigates its way through these turbulent fiscal times. One way to participate is through the Key Communicator Network, which provides individuals an opportunity to receive regular updates and key communications from the District and to be a key stakeholder disseminating District information into the community. To sign up for this network, please e-mail.

The Board of Education wishes again to recognize the tireless dedication and relentless commitment of District employees to our children, even in the face of these daunting resource challenges. We also commend the willingness of community members to pull together and find creative solutions to the current fiscal problems. Only the continued and enduring support of families, employees and our community will allow the District to succeed in its mission-critical work of helping students acquire the knowledge and skill sets to become responsible citizens who make positive contributions to their communities.

Sincerely,

John K. Carson, President