Sex, Lies, and Videotape Washoe County School Board Trustee Beth Smith in Court   Washoe County School Board President Beth Smith testified as a Defendant in a Child Custody case this week, filed by her ex husband and former Reno firefighter, Brian Jewell.  The proceedings included Smith making allegations of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and psychological abuse, despite no police reports, no photos, and no concrete evidence being provided. Beth also admitted to having an affair just before becoming pregnant with the child who is central to the controversial case.   Smith’s defense revolved around text messages from 15 years ago, and testimony of witnesses who work for WCSD, that she’s a trustee of, therefore under Smith’s purview. Another, Dr. Herbert Coard, was paid approximately $375 per hour by Smith to provide “expert” testimony in her defense. Dr. Coard just so happens to own Desert Sage Resource Center, which has another WCSD employee as his Board member.   Dr. Coard admitted he was paid around $7,000 to date by Smith to provide a “Parental Fitness Evaluation” on her ex-husband.  The written evaluation submitted as an exhibit to the court was based on Mr. Coard’s 2024 analysis, indicating Mr. Jewell was not a threat to his child or Smith.  However, once Dr. Coard was put on the stand, he changed his testimony and his written analysis to say he “now believes” physical abuse did indeed take place based on those text messages over a decade ago.     Our Nevada Judges received approval from the Court to video-record proceedings, which we understand will be made available in several weeks. The public will be able to witness Dr. Coard making nonverbal signals and mouthing communication to Smith and her attorney during questioning shortly after 4pm on day two of the trial.   Smith made a major issue about the court proceedings becoming public, with Smith asserting her ex-husband, the plaintiff, was working with local public figures to “kill her” and “murder her” with no evidence to support her seemingly bombastic claims.   The honorable Dixie Grossman promised both parties a decision in this parental custody case should be rendered by July 29, 2024. #reno #wcsd