WCSD Board of Trustees Discuss Proposed Negotiated Settlement |

UPDATE: The Washoe County School District voted five to one to approve a motion involving a statement for former district Superintendent Traci Davis.

"I move that the board of trustees authorizes outside legal cousel and district staff including but not limited to superintendent, risk manager and the office of the general counsel to settle litigation in the second judicial court of the state of nevada in and for the county of washoe."

The proposed settlement includes a payment to the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System for the benefit of Traci Davis in an amount equal to or less than one year's contribution, or $70,000, as well as other related terms.

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees discussed criteria for closing schools on Tuesday evening.

They motioned to evaluate COVID-19 data at every meeting, and there can be a special meeting if there are big issues with COVID-19 in the community.

The board didn't want to use specific metrics or the new COVID-19 Risk Meter, but they will be using it as a tool to help in their decisions of whether or not to close schools.

Information they will consider includes community risk over a one week period, case incidents in schools and/or adequacy of staffing levels, among other factors.

The board would consider changing the learning model based on that criteria.

Trustees motioned to authorize outside legal council for the Traci Davis settlement in the Second Judicial District Court.

The district released this statement on Wednesday:

Listening, learning and understanding each other’s perspectives are at the heart of everything we do in the Washoe County School District, and Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill appreciates the concerns that have been brought forward by staff members and the community. As our work continues into the year, there is a commitment at all levels on systems and process improvement at every level-from the classroom, the school, the District, and the Board.
WCSD is working to support all staff, students, and families as we work to better understand the issues and clear the obstacles in our path. We continue to work together to overcome challenges on behalf of our students, their families, and the employees of the Washoe County School District. We welcome input and feedback from our community, and we appreciate people having their opportunity to express concerns in a variety of ways, as in providing public comment. As we move forward, we will work together to problem solve for the betterment of our district and the students we are committed to educating and teaching to become productive citizens of their community.

The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is discussing the new Truckee Meadows COVID Risk Meter during its public meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The meter, which was approved last week uses a five criteria, including testing demand, positive cases and hospitalizations, to give people a sense of where our area stands and help them decide on how to behave. (An example is shown above this article.)

The board is also discussing the process and timeline for filling the spot left open after Scott Kelley's resignation last month. Officials say Kelley's District A trustee seat must be filled by appointment from the remaining members of the board. The term lasts until early January.

Kelley's seat is in south Reno and Incline Village and includes the following schools:

• Elementary Schools – Brown, Dodson, Donner Springs, Double Diamond, Hidden Valley, Hunsberger, Incline, Lenz, Picollo PK-12, Pleasant Valley, Poulakidas, and Smithridge

• Middle Schools – Depoali, Herz, Incline, and Pine

• High Schools – AACT, Damonte Ranch, Galena, Incline, and Washoe Inspire

They will also discuss the decision-making process and the steps that will be taken for if, and when schools need to be closed due to weather, regional emergencies and/or health-related emergencies.

Trustees are expected to discuss a proposed negotiated settlement for former superintendent Traci Davis as well. The settlement includes a payment to the Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) for the benefit of Traci Davis in an amount equal to or less than one year’s contribution, or $70,000 as well as other related terms.