Alliance to voice concerns

Terry Webster

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999 | 10:42 a.m.

The Alliance for Social Justice, an education advocacy group, made its voice heard Monday during a press conference on the front steps of the Clark County School District's Education Center on East Flamingo Road.

Alliance members said they plan to continue making their points heard during today's School Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

At issue is the alliance's desire to see the new school superintendent be well-versed in minority and at-risk student issues. The district is now in the midst of a search for someone to replace Superintendent Brian Cram, who retires effective July 2000.

The alliance maintains the district is not giving an equal education to minority or disadvantaged students.

Further, they charge that some students are barred from taking certain tests in an effort to drive up the district's performance level.

Speakers during the press conference said they want the district to boost achievement for all students.

"That is for real," said Marzette Lewis, who also is an education advocate. "On test day the schools find all types of reasons to get students out of the classroom. If a kid shuffles a paper, they are sent to the principal's office. Then the district says, 'We did it, our achievements are up.' "

Gary Peck, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, was among the group of about 20 people who showed up to support the alliance.

"The school district's performance under the present superintendent is deplorable and inexcusable and it affects the entire community," Peck said.

School district spokeswoman Mary Stanley-Larsen issued a written response to the group's claims. In the statement, she points out that one of the "key" criteria being used to select the new superintendent includes familiarity and sensitivity to minority and at-risk student issues.

"The district and the Board of School Trustees reassures the community of its commitment and sensitivity to these issues," she stated.

Alliance Chairwoman Patricia Cunningham said that isn't enough. She called it a politically correct statement with little meaning behind it.

Stanley-Larsen notes that the 16-point criteria being used to select the new superintendent was designed with input from the black and Hispanic communities.

She also cites programs the district offers for minority students.