3 school board seats up for re-election

By Bruce Whetten

Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 4:26 PM MDT


Three of the five seats on the Douglas School Board of Education will be up for re-election in November.


Incumbents Mario Ramos, Susan Kramer and Mike Ortega will be looking to retain their seats on the Douglas School Board while two other Douglas residents are looking to take over a seat on the board.

Officials for the Cochise County Superintendents Office told the Douglas Dispatch last week that all three incumbents have taken out their re-election petitions along with challengers Mike Nava and Natalio Sabal.

Only two candidates have turned in their petitions while the remaining three have until Aug.8.

Voters will decide at the Nov. 6 General Election who will fill the three seats on the Douglas School Board.

 

Comments

    Just a thought... wrote on Aug 17, 2012 3:48 PM:

    " Why doesn't everyone start focusing on district schools and educational opportunities for our kids regardless of who's running (or not) and who's on the board?? If more people actually attended board meetings and took an active interest in what is going on maybe things would get better.... "

    Far From spot on wrote on Aug 17, 2012 7:27 AM:

    " Nava has never been "spot on" as someone wrote. He has been " chicken little" running around saying the sky is falling. He could not get the signatures to run, he is far from respected, has never done anything to merit any kind of recognition. BUT he is good at twisting the truth and getting away with spreading lies. He is now part of a nutty team, he writes letters for Olga Robles who is far from credible much less knows what GDP stands for. No doubt he feeds off people who were either fired or let go from the the school district and from their pro Nava comments on the blog everyone knows who they are. Nava thinks he is a conspiracy detective. The only conspiracy going on is his determined actions to create hate. Funny he never goes to the charter schools and check out how they built a school "on the border" I would think that is an issue with tax payers money. And you're wrong he is far from respectful because he is a liar and that is the highest form of disrespect. His skeletons will come out and when they do those few Nava supporters will run and hide to have been associated with him. That is a fact and if it hasn't come out it's because people who do know are in disbelief and worried what it would do to this town. "

    of course wrote on Aug 16, 2012 8:03 AM:

    " Of course nava will not run. He does not have the students' interest in mind. And with a 40 page record like his of documented facts of poor behavior and reprimands. He should just lay low! "

    Will Never Consider wrote on Aug 16, 2012 7:45 AM:

    " Douglas treats it's Superintendent so poorly who would ever want to go to that two bit town. I had considered the position in the past when it was open but the history of this community is simply horrid. They don't pay what other districts pay and that wouldn't be an issue if you had a community that valued the superintendent's challenges. From Superintendent Greer to the present the public makes it impossible to focus on the enormous job. If Superintendent Rogers leaves believe me my fellow superintendent colleagues would never consider Douglas for that position. You have a terrible reputation. Good luck Rogers but if I were you I wouldn't stick around. Go to a district that truly understands the demands of the superintendency and will respect your work. From New Mexico to all of Arizona it is a well known fact Douglas is only happy when they are beating up on the Superintendent. Southeastern Superintendents know all too well the history of Douglas. "

    Bottom line wrote on Aug 15, 2012 4:38 PM:

    " Mr. Nava asks questions. By-law, admistration needs to answer them. Why get defensive, just answer them with the repect he deserves, or anyone deserves. This is a public school, people have the right, and should ask questions. I have never seen Mr. Nava be disrespectful to anyone. But, I have seen administration be very direspectful to him. I find out more from Mr. Nava's letters to the editor, than I find out from the paper. A large percentage of the time Mr. Nava is spot on, and I think that is what makes the administraion angry. If Mr. Nava was a board member, you can be sure meetings would be held without breaking any laws. "

    Tax payer wrote on Aug 15, 2012 4:27 PM:

    " I agree with "WHY" "Fact" about contracts and raises of Administrators to be publicly discuss. Mr. Nava is a taxpayer as most of us in this community. Many people don't know the facts and like to criticize. We should know where the money goes because we sure need to help the students education. Last year the school district wanted us to vote to have part of our house taxes to help students but administrators was going to get a percentage of that too. Now they are getting raises. In 2010 they did a budget cut. Not all highly qualified budgetcut employees were given the opportunity to go back as they stated in the June 2, 2010, The board just brushes the question. But do hire new employees without all the credentials. "

    the sad fact is ... wrote on Aug 15, 2012 2:08 PM:

    " The sad fact is that there is a certain group who are more interested in division, anger and hate than in polite discussion of the issues. That is why we see the constant inuendos of wrong-doing. And this will continue because of pure this hate. "

    Agree wCam wrote on Aug 15, 2012 11:02 AM:

    " I agree wholeheartedly w/Cam...the Board needs to take a close & hard look at how administration is running the district, especially how DUSD school grades are going down. One "B" school and all others are "C" with exception of RBMS & Faras which are "D"...what is happening??? "

    cam wrote on Aug 15, 2012 12:50 AM:

    " All of you need to wake up and take a good look at what is happening with Dusd#27. It is not about Nava. Nava has been around long before this current administration. If the adults in district are treated shabbily, then what is to become of the students? I am sending all of you positive thoughts, you all will need it in these tough economic times. Trust and respect should be paramount, not power and control.Think about it.Another glass of Kool-aid is not going to help. "

    facts wrote on Aug 14, 2012 9:10 PM:

    " FACTS!!!!! Where are your documentation on Nava's questionable behavior? Have you requested his record ? Nava's record his public information, and must be provided to you, if you request it. Why ask his former colleagues ? Find out for yourself, if it is factual , and post and publish what you can prove. Yes, we are sick of DELUSION, and there should be complaints filed against a former retired Douglas teacher, with 5 or more pages of proven FACTS, and DOCUMENTED BEHAVIOR, and the NAME isn't NAVA. You all say proven facts with DOCUMENTATION ,and you haven't presented ANYTHING, but HEARSAY, WHERE ARE THE FACTS??? Prove your accusation or apologize to Nava
    When is it a crime to ask for the CONTRACT and raises of the Superintendent, and the Asst. Superintendent ? This is a PUBLIC RECORD, and should not be done BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, we have the right to know , how the public money is being spent, $29,000, and 8,000 is one big raise especially when Mrs. Rogers has to ask her mentor what to do. We need a Chemistry Teacher for the students and other qualified Teachers , and supplies. Yes we need to think of the STUDENTS , Why aren't they passing the AIMS TEST? We must insist that Students receive a better education, and be prepared for College, that is what we owe the students, and if you really care, you will find out the TRUE FACTS, and help the STUDENTS achieve a better education, that is their right. "

    the fact is wrote on Aug 13, 2012 8:08 PM:

    " The fact is... that Mr. Nava is simply a pathetic candidate. The voters are quite aware of his suspicious and highly questionable record during his years at DHS.

    And his continuing actions only demonstrate further his destructive agenda. One only has to ask around to his former colleagues to learn the real essence of the man's true nature! "

    Sick of delusions wrote on Aug 13, 2012 10:27 AM:

    " Perhaps civil complaints against a former Douglas teacher need to be filed. It sounds like he needs medications for his schizophrenia to me. If only his energy could be put towards something constructive like for the young people in the community that have nothing to do. Then again, he probably should not be around the young people of the community.

    Mrs. Rogers is doing a great job for DUSD. Too bad there are so many jealous people. I hope the best people are elected to the school board since it about the kids and not about personal agendas. "

    To WHY wrote on Aug 11, 2012 8:13 PM:

    " Sounds like you have been hanging out with Nava! He has been running around town with the contracts of the Superintendency of Douglas. More of his agenda and attempt to stir up division within the community. The Board specified the salaries and allotment of time within these contracts. School Boards, City Councils, and Executive Boards meet behind closed doors all the time within specified protocols that protect the public or members. Superintendents should be paid well considering their responsibilities. "The TRUTH" is more of Nava's agenda, criticism, and destructive nature. I wonder how other School Districts in the State deal with the "Nava's" in life? Maybe the Douglas School Board needs to find out. The public is tired of this nonsense. "

    Bulldogs Stand Up and be Heard... wrote on Aug 11, 2012 3:27 PM:

    " As a graduate of Douglas High School it saddens me that Mr. Nava continues to waste the limited resources within the Douglas School District and City. The community needs to "stand-up" and tally the personnel hours it takes the District and City to respond to the ongoing trivial public records requests and complaints filed by Mr. Nava. Members of the community need to look at the "facts" and find out how many dollars are spent catering to Mr. Nava's public rights. My guess is the cost is enormous and could pay for the salaries of multiple teachers or city workers.

    Even if you agree with Mr. Nava's continual criticism of public officials, at what point does his rambling become too costly?

    Reflecting upon my education from kindergarten through two graduate degrees, I have to say that my experience as a student of Mr. Nava's is similar to my experience with him today. He wants to "make a difference" but does not appear to know "how" to make a difference. Mr. Nava was very successful at lecturing from the text and giving out handouts. But, he didn't inspire higher order thinking and constructive learning processes as my best teachers have throughout my education.

    Skeletons? It is not that difficult to file a public records request for Mr. Nava's personnel records. What are the "facts" that support the accusation of skeletons? If Mr. Nava has none in his records, than may we only ask that he attempt to work with others in a positive and meaningful way. If skeletons appear, than may we ask him to be accountable for his actions. His criticism of Superintendents and Council Members has been going on for years. Frankly, I want the "facts" at this point. Stand up Bulldogs and support our terrific students and community. Our resources should not be wasted on personal or political agendas of others! "

    WHY wrote on Aug 11, 2012 11:21 AM:

    " The school board went behind closed doors to issue Roger a 3 year contract, increase in pay per year $29,682. total per year is$134,686. Asst. Lopez increase per year is $10,954.00 total per year $92,954.00. Substitute teacher $80.00 per day. Superintendent Rogers can't make a decision without her Mentor, $2.00 per year, car, gas and what else? Why do we need Rogers? Nava shows he cares for the students, and the Douglas community by questing the motive of the school board, and the Administration BEHIND CLOSED DOOR MEETING? WHO BENFITS? NOT NAVA. Thanks Mr. Nava for caring for Douglas and the TRUTH. "

    Students Matter wrote on Aug 10, 2012 9:22 PM:

    " If Mike Nava ran and won, how much of the boards time would actually be devoted to what is best for the students and community of Douglas? This man has a personal agenda to take down what he fears from his past. Not once has he mentioned what kids deserve. A lonely life he must live to spend his time taking down those that want the kids of Douglas to achieve what they are capable of. "

    Bulldog Forever wrote on Aug 10, 2012 8:29 PM:

    " How can someone who always tries to destroy all that is good think that he can get elected to the board. Nava is a destroyer not a builder. Very sad man who thinks he represents the common people. He is pathetic. "

    To At Least wrote on Aug 8, 2012 9:37 PM:

    " Seriously? Let's see IF he runs. He's playing with the voters. He won't run because he has too much to hide and if he ran he would be subject to scrutiny that he would not pass. Believe me he will be ruined if he even tries to run for Dog Catcher, because he is very worried about his past. Forty years of teaching he likes to say but in reality it's forty years of suspicious behavior. "

    to the point wrote on Aug 8, 2012 9:45 AM:

    " Nava only wants the spotlight so he can perpetuate conspiracy theories that something insidious is going on with the school and city. Of course he is wrong because if their were truth we would have seen the Attorney General involved long ago. He and his bunch of crazies will continue as long as they are think people are listening. "

    At leastMHRQ wrote on Aug 7, 2012 1:20 PM:

    " At least he has the guts to run. After years of criticizing others he is running to make a difference (I know… a difference in his own agenda/mind). We all know he will not get elected, but at least he has the guts to run while others just complain and not do a thing!!

    I will at least give the man that much… just not much more!!

    OH – Why doesn’t Los Pobres run??? Is he afraid that people will know who he is and laugh to his face?? At least Nava signed his name every time he opens his trap! "

    Tired of Nava wrote on Aug 5, 2012 10:58 PM:

    " Nava has caused so many school officials and employees to put aside their important work to appease his ridculous and continuous requests. The time and effort of his craziness hurts the students of Douglas. He sends daily emails/letters to harass school employees and expects immediate replies and action. He is a problem, not a solution. Someone should guard the district from him! "

    Educator wrote on Aug 5, 2012 4:27 PM:

    " He has my vote 100%. "

    Useless wrote on Aug 5, 2012 1:35 PM:

    " Nava is not serious about running and never has been He knows perfectly well everyone knows he is weird and never has been part of any solution but rather always the problem in his jaded manner of self promotion. Ask anyone just anyone if he has any respect! As a teacher as he loves to quote he was disliked and not effective in the least, as a colleague he was considered a joke never improving his knowledge base with training or professional development, as a community person he has always been one to be a cause of embarrassment. He only said he was going to run supposedly to give the "Superintendent grief " his words exactly as told to individuals asking him about this filing. Thus he is using the democratic system as his sick game. Why doesn't he just leave Douglas, he is not a Douglas native and we will ALL be better off with him gone.
    He is really quite "unbalanced." He is "useless." "

    DUSD Supporter wrote on Aug 3, 2012 10:52 PM:

    " I agree with the two previous post. The "guardian angel" is only out for his own self promotion. He apparently can't handle things going well in the District. I, too, believe he has skeletons in his closet that would really make him think about the harm he has done over the years. "

    in agreement wrote on Aug 3, 2012 7:54 AM:

    " It is agreed that after this self=promoter has trashed so many, who does he think will work with him? He should write a complete letter of apology and beg forgiveness from those he has wrongly accused!

    But we all know he is too small of a person and has just as big an ego has his mentors! "

    yeah right ... wrote on Aug 2, 2012 3:04 PM:

    " Incredible that the self-appointed guardian thinks he is electable!! He only knows how to criticize and only because it gives him self-importance!

    Lets see if he will come clean about all the skeletons in his closet! Lets see if he can stand the heat!! I bet not. And who does he think will vote for him!! "

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Douglas Dispatch is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in douglasdispatch.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Douglas Dispatch. The Douglas Dispatch does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Douglas Dispatch spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
   









Contact Us

Email the Editor
530 11th Street
Douglas, AZ 85607
tel: 520.364.3424
fax: 520.364.6750
Subscribe Online
Place A Classified