Public commenters praise four trustees, criticize prior board and dispute court rulings

Public commenters at the Douglas County School District Board meeting used the allotted public-comment period to praise four trustees who were elected in 2022 and to criticize prior board members, legal counsel and the district's former superintendent.

Multiple speakers named Trustees Catherine Dickerson, Susan Janssen, David Burns and Doug Engelkirk and commended them for actions taken since their election. Praise centered on efforts the commentators described as restoring the board's authority, reviewing professional-development materials, removing certain library books and addressing allegations of harassment.

Several callers criticized the previous boardand named former superintendent Keith Lewisfor what they described as improper transfers of authority and for failing to investigate employee complaints. One speaker asserted those transfers violated Nevada Revised Statutes; another urged public scrutiny of prior counsel and claimed improper actions.

Public commenters also addressed a recent court-ordered fee award. Several speakers described the outcome as politically or legally unfair and urged further inquiry; others called for accountability from trustees who were found ineligible or fined in litigation.…