Douglas County School Board to hold open house with superintendent candidates before selection

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County School Board is holding a special meeting on February 6 to possibly select a new superintendent. The board has selected two candidates to choose from, John Ramirez, Jr., and Dennis Holmes.

The Board will be holding a "Meet and Greet" with the two candidates on Monday, February 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Douglas High School Commons. This will be a good opportunity for parents, staff, and the community to meet the candidates, ask questions, and learn more about their visions.

The flyer shown above says the following about the two candidates:

"John Ramirez Jr. brings 30 years, of dynamic leadership in education, showcasing a blend of expertise in board relations communications, human resources, and fiscal management. A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver, John has a proven track record of spearheading operational improvements across large, diverse teams. Widely recognized for his leadership skills, he collaborates effectively with government nonprofit organizations, foundations, business leaders, and community partners at regional, statewide, and national levels. John is also renowned for his ability to engage with culturally and linguistically diverse populations,
making him a forward-thinking leader in the educational sector."

"Dennis Holmes boasts an impressive tenure of over 30 years in the education sector, marked ov a diverse range of leadership roles and responsibilities. His career highlights include a successtul stint In teaching Health Enhancement K-12 and Adaptive P, alongside the notable achievement of inaugurating Thunder Basin High School in Gillette, WY, leading a team of eighty-five staff and welcoming eleven hundred students. Dennis is a staunch advocate TOI data-driven Instruction, recognizing Its power to enhance student learning outcomes. He credits his success to the philosophy of shared leadership, a strategy that has proven effective across various stages of his professional journey."

According to Stockton, California newspapers, Ramirez resigned as the Stockton Unified School District superintendent on June 9, 2022, after just over one year of his three-year contract was completed. The District Board gave Ramirez the honorary title of "emeritus" and a severance package which included his annual salary of $285,000 plus benefits for one year. The Board terminated that package after nine months.

Holmes retired from Campbell County School District #1 in Wyoming in June 2023. He had served that district as associate superintendent for five years and as a principal for two years. As part of his 30 years in education, he had been a school principal in Billings, Montana for 10 years. In October 2023, Holmes was a finalist in the position of director of the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority.

The Douglas County School Board will meet on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. for possible selection of Holmes or Ramirez. For agenda and instructions on participation, visit https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1502. The meeting will be held in the Douglas High School Media Room, 1670 Highway 88, Minden.