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. port 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.

You may have seen statistics about Douglas County School District pay scales. Data does not always tell the whole story. Take a hardtofill chemistry and math teacher position that Rock Canyon High School lost after the 201718 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.