All students should have the best educational opportunity that is available

Dear Editor

First, my name is Greg Wortman and I wrote the letter about annexation of NEVC into Nevada R-5 School District. I appreciate the civil response from John Hoagland and respect his different opinions. I have spoken to several parents and observed myself those current students from the western edge of the district that ride the bus for 1 hour, 40 minutes to travel to the Schell City campus; the trip from the town of Schell City to the Nevada High School takes around 35 minutes traveling at safe speeds. Of course there could be added time for driving through the rural area picking up individual students.

I am concerned about every student's opportunity for education, and strongly feel that the Nevada R-5 district with more assets, a higher number of teachers with master degrees, and a greater curriculum that provides more opportunities, teachers with more years of experience at higher average salaries are all reasons that ANY student can succeed. I take exception that any Nevada teacher is any less dedicated or capable of helping a student with a learning challenge. On the extra curricular activities, just compare the school calendar (which I did for 10 days from Sept. 8), and there is a great difference between the districts.

Greg Wortman

NEVC district resident