When former Washoe County School District Trustee Jacqueline Calvert notified the district she moved in 2019, nobody informed the board she was no longer a resident of her district.
Two investigations into the matter have concluded and the district has closed the matter. The second legal review into Calvert’s residency change determined that even though she was no longer living in the district where she was elected, revisiting her votes wasn’t necessary.
Attorney John Funk hired a private investigator to try to track down Calvert at her work at a local casino and make repeated visits to her apartment.
“After repeated efforts to contact her, former Trustee Calvert agreed to meet with the private investigator,” Funk said. “She refused to talk with us.”
Funk determined the district does not have to revisit votes Calvert made after she moved because her seat was not vacant until she resigned.
“All of Former Trustee Calvert’s actions taken prior to her resignation on September 13, 2021 were valid acts of a WCSD Trustee and her presence could be used for purposes of forming a quorum,” Funk said. “Because she was, statutorily, still the elected official throughout her tenure, and continued to do the work of a Trustee, each of her votes cast prior to her resignation remain valid and effective.”
Funk advised trustees not to pursue legal claims against Calvert.
Trustees accepted Funk’s findings and agreed not to take further actions against Calvert.
“Let’s turn the page and get back to work,” Trustee Angela Taylor said.
Other board actions
Next superintendent will make up to $310,000 a year
The board spent considerable time discussing how to proceed with hiring the next superintendent. Trustees agreed to advertise the position for a salary range between $275,000 and $310,000, plus benefits and incentives. The salary is roughly consistent with what Superintendent Kristen McNeill makes.
Board approves law firm to monitor board meetings
Trustees approved the hiring of a law firm for up to $35,000 to monitor board meetings for open meeting law compliance. The district’s legal counsel said the approval will free him up to deal with lawsuits in-house.
Rio Wrangler elementary school construction approved
It will cost more than $38 million to build the Rio Wrangler Elementary School. Construction prices have skyrocketed, staff said. Trustees approved a bid to build the school to Martin Harris Construction/Group West Construction.
Board hires consultants to work better together
Trustees approved hiring of a consultant to hold a day-long training and on-going coaching sessions so the board can work better together.
