News
Opinion
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The debate surrounding the implementation of IB at our schools is wearing on our community. But this is not because, as some say, our community is divided over the issue. Instead, we are tired of the misinformation and unfounded accusations that have unfortunately been the strategy used to pressure people to be “anti-IB.”
Let's make this debate clear — Heath Morrison inherited this situation. IB already was being implemented in Incline when he was hired as the Washoe County School District superintendent. He agrees we should move forward with the program because it is the best choice for our all of our children and our community.
He has listened to concerns and answered questions. In fact, while trying to be responsive to all sides, he slowed down the implementation of IB and assigned Deputy Superintendent Pedro Martinez to the issue to ensure it got the needed attention.
Despite having numerous unfounded accusations thrown at him and the board of trustees, Morrison praised all of the parents, educators and residents on both sides of the issue who were in attendance at the board of trustees meeting last week. He made a call for unity and collaboration as we move forward to implement this exciting and challenging academic program for our children. Morrison said at the meeting he appreciates the passion from everyone who has taken part in the debate, but now is the time to unite, and I agree with him. Even though many unfounded allegations have been hurled at Morrison and his team, he still invited everyone, no matter their belief in IB, to work together to come up with new ideas that will improve the IB program at Incline.
The attendance and the outcome of Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting put to rest other misinformation that has been floating around. There is overwhelming support for IB in our community. That was evident at Tuesday's meeting as parents, teachers and residents stood up one after another to tell the board they support this program because it is the best way to prepare our children for college and their future. Furthermore, improving education will be a driving force to encourage people to move to Incline and enroll their students in our schools, which, in turn, will attract the best teachers in the country. It has been cited that Incline Village/Crystal Bay needs to reverse its trend of a retirement community. Great schools attract young families to a community and this is one of the answers to that situation.
When the Washoe County Board of Trustees took a vote on the resolution to support IB in Incline, there was no question about its beliefs. The Trustees voted 7-0 in favor of the resolution — a firm stance in support of our IB program. I see this as an endorsement to put the past behind us and move forward by doing what is right for our kids.
I am optimistic that we can do what the superintendent has asked — that we all come together for the benefit of our children.
— Tom Bruno is an Incline Village resident and member of International Baccalaureate Incline Village, the local nonprofit raising money to fund 2.5 IB-related teacher positions.
Let's make this debate clear — Heath Morrison inherited this situation. IB already was being implemented in Incline when he was hired as the Washoe County School District superintendent. He agrees we should move forward with the program because it is the best choice for our all of our children and our community.
He has listened to concerns and answered questions. In fact, while trying to be responsive to all sides, he slowed down the implementation of IB and assigned Deputy Superintendent Pedro Martinez to the issue to ensure it got the needed attention.
Despite having numerous unfounded accusations thrown at him and the board of trustees, Morrison praised all of the parents, educators and residents on both sides of the issue who were in attendance at the board of trustees meeting last week. He made a call for unity and collaboration as we move forward to implement this exciting and challenging academic program for our children. Morrison said at the meeting he appreciates the passion from everyone who has taken part in the debate, but now is the time to unite, and I agree with him. Even though many unfounded allegations have been hurled at Morrison and his team, he still invited everyone, no matter their belief in IB, to work together to come up with new ideas that will improve the IB program at Incline.
The attendance and the outcome of Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting put to rest other misinformation that has been floating around. There is overwhelming support for IB in our community. That was evident at Tuesday's meeting as parents, teachers and residents stood up one after another to tell the board they support this program because it is the best way to prepare our children for college and their future. Furthermore, improving education will be a driving force to encourage people to move to Incline and enroll their students in our schools, which, in turn, will attract the best teachers in the country. It has been cited that Incline Village/Crystal Bay needs to reverse its trend of a retirement community. Great schools attract young families to a community and this is one of the answers to that situation.
When the Washoe County Board of Trustees took a vote on the resolution to support IB in Incline, there was no question about its beliefs. The Trustees voted 7-0 in favor of the resolution — a firm stance in support of our IB program. I see this as an endorsement to put the past behind us and move forward by doing what is right for our kids.
I am optimistic that we can do what the superintendent has asked — that we all come together for the benefit of our children.
— Tom Bruno is an Incline Village resident and member of International Baccalaureate Incline Village, the local nonprofit raising money to fund 2.5 IB-related teacher positions.
