One veteran’s perspective
There has been an abundance of negative criticism for years regarding the Veterans Administration and it’s new Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.
After last week, I have to report about my recent experience. I suffered a heart attack, and went to the recently opened hospital for treatment. Long wait times? Not for me. I was hooked up to an EKG machine in seconds, and sent to surgery in short order.
The doctors, nurses, and technicians on duty were anything but incompetent and had me on the path to recovery very quickly, for which I have deep gratitude. The staff in the ER, ICU, and pharmacy were incredible and dedicated to their responsibilities.
The new facility is just gearing up, but in my view, should be recognized by more as a long term regional asset for about the same cost as a new football stadium that is used a few dates a year.
Tom Dunn, Aurora
Principals’ objectives: protect and support our schools
Never again in our district — not on our watch. These are words to live by when it comes to safety and security in Jeffco Schools, and one of the many reasons I support Jeffco Schools 5A and 5B. The mill levy override and bond will fund important security improvements in our schools. Funds from 5A will allow Jeffco to put more campus supervisors in middle schools, and more security personnel and School Resource Officers (SROs) at all school levels. Mill funds will also help to build increased and stronger partnerships between SROs and schools. Additional school training for lockdown drills could also be implemented with this additional funding.
The bond, 5B, will fund significant improvements in physical security to our schools. That includes interior door locks, improved security entrances and protocols, security signage, and safety window film for strategic areas. Timing is critical, and these bond funds will allow the district to put these safety features in place sooner to better protect all students, staff, and educators. We must continue to improve safety and security in Jeffco and we need your support to do that. I am asked, “What are you going to do?” and my response is “What are we going to do?” We must protect our children — our most precious commodities. Please vote yes on 5A and 5B.
Frank DeAngelis, Arvada
Editor’s note: DeAngelis was principal at Columbine High School from 1996 to 2014.
You may have seen statistics about Douglas County School District pay scales. Data does not always tell the whole story. Take a hard-to-fill chemistry and math teacher position that Rock Canyon High School lost after the 2017-18 school year. This teacher would do anything to help students, including coming in on Saturdays to help kids.
I am the principal at Rock Canyon, and you can imagine my sadness when she came in to tell me that she had accepted a teaching job at Denver North for $13,000 more annually.
Then there is an Advanced Placement language arts teacher who formerly taught as an adjunct at Northwestern University. It was sad and extremely frustrating when he told me he has going to drive 15 minutes further to make $24,000 more per year.
Unfortunately, I could share many more stories of excellent educators who have taken their talents and passion to nearby districts. Every single staff member who has left for higher pay has had that emotional moment in my office where they tell me they love Rock Canyon and they love our students, but they must make a change for their family.
According to the Colorado Department of Education, our staff on average is paid $13,000-$18,000 less than our colleagues in Littleton Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools, respectively.
I am a proud father of three boys who attend Douglas County schools and I have been a Douglas County resident for 17 years. Over the past 8 years as principal I have watched nearly two dozen incredible teachers leave for higher pay. They left because they did not feel they were valued by our community.
It is time for all of us to demonstrate how much we value the educations of our children and grandchildren and neighbors’ children.
Please vote YES on 5A / 5B.
Andy Abner, Castle Pines
Editor’s note: Abner is the principal at Rock Canyon High School.
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