The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Board to review conduct

School official DeVincentis may have violated policies at Monday meeting

Friday, June 13, 2008

In the wake of Monday’s contentious Steamboat Springs School Board meeting, questions remain about the ethical behavior of board members and how that behavior could impact the school district.

District, School Board eager to put controversy in the past

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

With a recall effort apparently finished and an internal investigation complete, the Steamboat Springs School Board and district officials say they are eager to return their full attention to the business of education.

School Board updates e-mail transcripts

Monday, July 16, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board has revised its e-mail investigation interview transcripts.

DeVincentis recall effort falls short

Thursday, July 12, 2007

An attempt to recall Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis fell 154 signatures short.

Howell’s future uncertain

‘Frank and damaging’ discussion pushes Howell into executive session

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Superintendent Donna Howell’s job appeared to be in jeopardy Wednesday night after the president of the Steamboat Springs School Board declined to commit to Howell’s future employment with the district.

Howell, School Board to meet

Superintendent had no specific reason for searching e-mails

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Superintendent Donna How­ell is scheduled to meet with the Steamboat Springs School Board tonight for her performance evaluation. The evaluation comes two days after the board released transcripts of interviews conducted with Howell and other district employees about how controversial e-mails were obtained from the school computer of John DeVincentis.

School District releases investigation transcripts

Monday, July 9, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board on Monday released transcripts of the interviews conducted in the investigation into controversial e-mails by former board member John DeVincentis.

E. Ray Koch: Editor misuses pen

Sunday, July 8, 2007

I have kept quiet throughout this whole sensationalized and rather personal attack on John DeVincentis that I believe Scott Stanford, editor of the Steamboat Pilot & Today, has spearheaded.

Our view: Investigation proper, but DeVincentis still should go

Sunday, July 8, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board was right to investigate how e-mails sent by John DeVincentis in 2004-05 were made public.

Gleason, Stephenson mum on e-mail investigation

‘No comment’ from former School Board members named in report

Friday, July 6, 2007

Former Steamboat Springs School Board members did not cooperate with a school district investigation into the release of controversial e-mails, and they aren’t talking now that the investigation is complete.

School Board report on DeVincentis e-mail investigation

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Steamboat Springs Board of Education’s report following the publication of non-public e-mails

School Board releases e-mail investigation report

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

John DeVincentis violated school policies by sending and receiving personal e-mails on his school computer in 2004 and 2005, and Pat Gleason violated school policies by publicly releasing those e-mails, an attorney who investigated the e-mails has concluded. The Steamboat Springs School Board on Tuesday released a five-page report on its internal investigation into the DeVincentis e-mails. Grand Junction attorney Earl Rhodes conducted the investigation.

Dr. D recall petitions filed

Group submits 2,307 signatures to force DeVincentis on ballot

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The potential recall of Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis moved a step closer Monday to being on the November ballot.

Recall effort moves forward

Monday, July 2, 2007

The group working on a recall of Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis says it has about 2,300 signatures, nearly 400 more than needed to put the recall on November’s ballot.

Our View: DeVincentis recall is necessary

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Requiring John DeVincentis to stand for election in November is a minimum consequence of his conduct, not only in 2-year-old e-mails he sent using his school computer but also during his 20 months on the School Board. We previously asked DeVincentis to resign. Absent his resignation, we endorse the effort to recall him and urge residents to sign the recall petition.

Opposing View: Newspaper unfair, biased

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Editor’s Note: The following commentary was written and submitted by supporters of John DeVincentis who met with the Pilot & Today Editorial Board to discuss the recall of DeVincentis. We understand the Pilot & Today Editorial Board is considering writing an editorial in support of the recall of John Devincentis. We think that would be incredibly unwise on the part of the newspaper.

Tami Havener: Acts not surprising

Sunday, June 10, 2007

That John DeVincentis would lie (to another school board) and send vitriolic e-mails (those published by this newspaper) over a two-year period, while shocking, were not surprising to my husband or me. It was just public evidence of what we’ve known for quite some time.

Lynette Lochausen: Simms was bully

Sunday, June 10, 2007

I am not a personal friend of Dr. John Devincentis, but I can no longer be quiet while the group calling itself “Save Our Schools” does everything in its power to discredit him. I worked as a high school counselor in Steamboat Springs from 1986 to 2001, time that afforded me a chance to closely observe some of the motivation for the anger and bitterness in the private e-mail conversations that are behind the current recall effort.

Brian T. Kelly: This is a pattern

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Much has been written and discussed lately regarding John DeVincentis’ tumultuous tenure on the School Board. In the past few days, a group of his supporters have emerged with radio and newspaper ads saying the backers of a recall petition are running a smear campaign. Nothing could be further from the truth.

DeVincentis recall effort stirs emotions

Sunday, June 10, 2007

In August 1984, Steamboat Springs citizens voted 336-308 to recall then-School Board President Al Miller, largely due to Miller’s attempt to fire legendary wrestling coach Carl Ramunno. That same month, John DeVin­centis began his 21-year career as principal of Strawberry Park Elementary School in Steamboat. The city has not seen a recall election for a School Board member since.

Jan van Straaten, Bette Van Dahl, Mike Johnson, Kelly Wilson, Scott Crouch, Sandi Crouch, Tania Coffey: New versus old

Sunday, June 10, 2007

A lot was said recently about the Steamboat Springs School Board and member John DeVincentis, which created a flurry of press in the Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper. Uninvolved, unaware readers who followed the story were given eyebrow-raising excerpts from a private e-mail secretly leaked by an individual later revealed to be a disgruntled board member who resigned in order to be able to betray the public trust anonymously as an ordinary citizen.

Stephen Caragol: Protect the process

Sunday, June 10, 2007

If you are considering signing the recall for John DeVincentis, please do not do it. Why: Because we need to protect some level of a decent political process in our School Board and our town in general.

Mike Forney: Recall necessary

Sunday, June 10, 2007

“Don’t shoot the messenger” admonished Shakespeare in “Henry IV.” Perhaps those on our School Board and other supporters of John DeVincentis should reflect on the Bard’s words. The fact remains that the DeVincentis e-mails and his actions as a School Board member have demonstrated a shocking lack of honesty and integrity, and a vindictive character and behavior that violates the trust given him by those (like myself) who chose him to represent us on the RE2 Board of Education.

Mary Darcy and Eric Gautreaux: Say no to recall

Sunday, June 10, 2007

We’re sure plenty of people in town are sick of the whole subject of the Devincentis e-mails and the attempted recall of this school board member. But since the Pilot & Today offered a one-time chance to print letters on both sides of the issue, we’d like to point out a few facts that not everyone may know.

Group claims 600 signatures

School Board says e-mail investigation still ‘ongoing’

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

A group seeking to recall Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis has gathered about one-quarter of the 2,300 petition signatures it aims to collect.

Meeting kicks off recall effort

Save Our Schools group hopes to gather 2,300 signatures

Friday, May 11, 2007

A group hoping to lead a successful recall of Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis began collecting petition signatures Thursday night after a meeting at Olympian Hall.

Recall petition to begin circulating

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

A group calling itself “Save Our Schools RE-2” will begin circulating petitions to recall Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis after an informational meeting Thursday night.

Ex-board members stay silent

Investigation into obtained DeVincentis e-mails continues

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Former Steamboat Springs School Board members are wanted for questioning, but it is unlikely they will cooperate with an ongoing School Board investigation.

Group begins recall process

Committee submits petition to recall John DeVincentis

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

A committee calling itself “Save Our Schools RE-2” submitted petition language Tuesday seeking to recall John DeVincentis from the Steamboat Springs School Board.

David Wilson: E-mails and the rule of law

Friday, April 20, 2007

As a Colorado attorney since 1986, I remain concerned how and why the DeVincentis e-mails were obtained. Regardless of their content, their disclosure presents serious questions under the law that are getting lost in the discussion over the Board’s future.

School Board to continue e-mail investigation

Board president wants to make sure no confidential information policies were violated

Friday, April 20, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board will continue its investigation into how e-mails sent by John DeVincentis in 2004-05 were obtained and given to the Steamboat Pilot & Today.

Gleason: I’m the source

Former School Board member gave e-mails to newspaper

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Former School Board member Pat Gleason said Wednesday he is the source of e-mails anonymously dropped off at the Pilot & Today. The series of e-mails were written between School Board member John DeVincentis and a teacher in Mercer Island, Wash., between August 2004 and May 2005, while DeVincentis was in his final year as principal at Strawberry Park Elementary School. The e-mails were highly critical of Cyndy Simms, a former Steamboat superintendent and the current superintendent in Mercer Island.

DeVincentis: I am not that person

School Board member says he is not same as three years ago

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The easy thing would have been to resign. Instead, embattled Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis stood his ground, apologized for a series of harsh e-mails he sent about a former school district administrator three years ago and said he is willing to talk “face to face” with any community member interested in hearing the “real deal.”

DeVincentis recall proceeds

Petition language must be approved before circulation

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

A group of Steamboat residents announced Monday it will proceed with plans to try to recall Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis.

Group plans Dr. D recall

Sunday, April 15, 2007

A coalition of former Steam­boat Springs School Board members and John DeVincentis former supporters is weighing an effort to recall DeVincentis from the School Board.

Millie Beall: Leader of dissent

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Here I sit, in Lhasa, Tibet, and all I can think about are the years I served the Steamboat Springs School District from 1992 to 2000, with four of those years as president of the board.

Mary and Jim Darcy: Newspaper biased

Saturday, April 14, 2007

As parents of children at Strawberry Park, we have watched with amazement the level of venom directed toward John DeVincentis. For twenty-some years he has been a smart, funny, excellent principal, admired and loved by many. And now we see shock and awe at e-mails from two years ago that don’t come close to what the two of us said to each other during the last presidential election.

Paul Fisher: Who’s the real Dr. D?

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Dr. D was a brilliant educator. He instituted an educational process at Strawberry Park that started with clearly identified goals for educating students. Dr. D tested all students every year to assess progress that each of them made toward those goals. He critically assessed curriculum to assure that it appropriately led to desired results. Dr D integrated ethics and values education in everyday teaching. Dr D initiated performance awards in the District. He would reward outstanding efforts by staff with awards with financial value. Dr D also regularly surveyed staff and parents to gather information about direction for the school. He established an ongoing line of communication with parents and staff that was unsurpassed in the District. The bottom line was that Strawberry Park students were well educated and the school won awards for it.

‘We’re moving forward’

DeVincentis to address community concerns about e-mails next week

Friday, April 13, 2007

Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis will not resign, but he will hold three sessions next week to take input from residents about e-mails he sent during his final year as principal at Strawberry Park Elementary School.

Video: DeVincentis speaks out

Thursday, April 12, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board held its first meeting today since angry e-mails sent by John DeVincentis became public.

School Board meets today

Board holds first meeting since release of DeVincentis e-mails

Thursday, April 12, 2007

The Steamboat Springs School Board will hold its first meeting today since angry e-mails sent by John DeVincentis became public.

E-mail investigation ordered

Connelly: Board wants to determine if policies were violated

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Steamboat Springs School Board President Denise Connelly said the board will order an investigation into how the Steamboat Pilot & Today got copies of e-mails sent by board member John DeVincentis when he was principal at Strawberry Park Elementary.

DeVincentis issues apology for e-mails

Steamboat Springs School Board member says he will not resign from his seat

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Steamboat Springs School Board Member John DeVincentis apologized Saturday morning for a series of e-mails he sent in 2004 and 2005.

Paula Cooper Black: Connelly must act

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Given the grave situation with the Steamboat School Board and the effects that they are having, and will continue to have on the education of our most precious asset, our children, I have several comments to make.

Our View: DeVincentis should resign

Sunday, April 8, 2007

John DeVincentis should resign from the Steamboat Springs School Board for the sake of his constituents, his school district and his community. His Saturday apology was necessary, but it doesn’t change the fact that he must go.

Pat Gleason’s letter to Denise Connelly

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Please allow me a few thoughts on the current crisis facing the school district. As president of the board, your leadership is going to be critical in the next few days.

Gleason: Recall funding, effort in place

Saturday, April 7, 2007

The following is a letter sent by Pat Gleason, who resigned from the Steamboat Springs School Board Wednesday, to School Board President Denise Connelly.

DeVincentis apologizes, won’t resign

Pat Gleason warns board president that recall is coming

Saturday, April 7, 2007

School Board member and former Strawberry Park principal John DeVincentis issued an apology Saturday morning for e-mails he sent in 2004 and 2005 that were highly critical of Cyndy Simms, a former Steamboat Springs Superintendent. Asked if he had any plans to resign from the School Board, DeVincentis said, “the letter speaks for itself.” His letter states, “In the future I will serve as the board member the public expects and deserves.” The following is his letter as submitted to the Steamboat Pilot & Today…

E-mail reactions mixed

Some want DeVincentis to resign, others support him

Saturday, April 7, 2007

John DeVincentis remains a member of the Steamboat Springs School Board, but for how long remains unclear. On Friday, the Steamboat Pilot & Today printed excerpts of e-mails written by DeVincentis to Mercer Island, Wash., teacher Joby McGowan that were harshly critical of former Steam­­­­­boat Springs Super­intendent Cyndy Simms.

Excerpts from the DeVincentis e-mails

Friday, April 6, 2007

The following are direct quotes from a series of e-mail exchanges between former Strawberry Park Elementary School and current School Board member John DeVincentis and Joby McGowan, a teacher in Mercer Island, Wash., about former Steamboat Springs Superintendent Cyndy Simms.