Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

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Dear Editor:

After reading the report of Bank of Delight's presentation to the school board and reading another citizen's comment, here is my comment.

For the last several years, the school has experienced many controversial situations. Career school teachers with their roots in Prescott have left or have had their contracts put in limbo. One teacher brought Prescott a state championship trophy. The other presented the school with a legacy of teaching. Many of us were taught by her or other family members who were teachers. There has been major disputes over contract bidding and letting. I myself was accused of violating a law regarding bidding when I was the low bidder on the stadium project. State officials disagreed with this local interpretation and the District Attorney has a case file regarding this matter. Another local contractor had to present his case when he was the low bidder. In the last few years, rumors of the struggle between administration and school board members filled our coffee shops and our children were even given a new dress code after school policy was overridden. Now there is the rumor that the reason Bank of Delight was not given an opportunity to work with the bond money is "they are outsiders."

Most of us have been born and raised in Prescott as was our parents. Others have been here a length of time and by now we know every person and even their dog's name. We are hearing the stories and the major topic of discussion in Prescott is why and the future bond issue. Who is going to benefit from it. What happens behind the scenes. Who said this and that. Most of Prescott wanted this bond program and voted for it. And, yes, people do have the right to express their opinion without fear of intimidation be it verbal or financial or other forms.

I have placed my faith with the new school administrator as most of the community has. He is an excellent educator and our children and teachers love him. But if we are to have a school that does not become a behind the scenes political agenda, changes need to be made. A buddy system and profiteering cannot be allowed at this facility. The whole community needs to become involved and root out this source that is creating such controversy. The "Prescott way of doing business" can do to our school as it has done to the community over the years. There is not a spirit of co-operation. The investment of the bond money is a "done deal." But the future use of the money isn't. May our so-called "community voices" realize that taxpayers and common wage earners can easily turn the tables of fortune.

As they sat at the beginning of each New Year, "Out with the old, in with the new!"

Almer Martindale

Prescott