Clark County School District Narrows Superintendent Search to Four Finalists

The Clark County School District (CCSD) is advancing in its quest to appoint a new superintendent, focusing on four distinguished candidates, three of whom have deep-rooted connections to the district. This selection process underscores the district’s commitment to leadership that understands local challenges and is poised to drive educational excellence.

The Finalists:

1.Dr. John Anzalone: Currently serving as the superintendent of the Camas School District in Washington State, Dr. Anzalone’s history with CCSD is notable. He has previously held positions as an assistant superintendent and principal at three high schools within the district.

2.Jhone Ebert: As Nevada’s State Superintendent, Ebert’s tenure includes significant contributions to CCSD, most recently as the Chief Innovation and Productivity Officer. Her statewide perspective brings a unique advantage to the district.

3.Dr. Jesse Welsh: The CEO of Nevada State High School, Dr. Welsh’s extensive experience within CCSD encompasses roles such as Assistant Superintendent, highlighting his familiarity with the district’s operations.

4.Ben Shuldiner: The sole candidate from outside Nevada, Shuldiner is the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan. His diverse background includes serving on the board of New York City’s expansive school district.

The selection process has been rigorous, with the board dedicating extensive hours to ensure the right fit for the nation’s fifth-largest school district. Public sentiment strongly favors candidates with local ties, emphasizing the importance of understanding the community’s unique needs.

Yvette Williams of the Clark County Black Caucus articulated this sentiment, stating, “Why don’t we focus on getting the best candidate up there who checks off all the boxes… and has relationships that are already built with the legislature?” Similarly, Vicki Kreidel, a CCSD teacher and president of the National Education Association of Southern Nevada, emphasized the need for a leader with minimal learning curve, capable of making swift, informed decisions.

The upcoming public interviews, scheduled for February 24th and 25th at the Edward A. Greer Education Center, will provide the community an opportunity to engage with the candidates directly. These sessions are crucial for stakeholders to assess each candidate’s vision and commitment to addressing the district’s challenges.

As CCSD approaches this pivotal decision, the emphasis remains on selecting a leader who embodies personal responsibility, understands the nuances of the local educational landscape, and is prepared to champion the district’s mission of fostering academic excellence.

Source: News3LV