District applauds new schools chief

Terry Webster

Friday, April 7, 2000 | 11:20 a.m.

Carlos Garcia, the Clark County School District's new superintendent, is already thinking about signing his next contract -- for a new home in Las Vegas.

His contract signed and neatly tucked away, Garcia said he and his family are planning to spend the next few days working out the plans to move from Fresno, Calif., to Las Vegas, a city he calls "the most exciting place on the planet."

Garcia, the superintendent of Fresno Unified Schools, said his start date here and trips between the two cities are in the process of being worked out.

About 100 people, among them students, parents and school district staff members, filled the Education Center on Thursday to watch the School Board officially name Garcia as the next leader of the school district, the nation's eighth largest.

Rising to a standing ovation after his unanimous appointment, Garcia became misty-eyed, and School Board President Mary Beth Scow broke down in tears.

"Happy endings are always touching," Scow said. "This is such a relief. And we did it with a 7-0 vote. We finally became a team."

After addressing the School Board, Garcia turned to face the audience. Calling himself a "humble public servant," he thanked them for their support.

Garcia told the board he still can't believe he actually gets paid to stand up for kids every day.

In Clark County, Garcia will earn a salary of $200,000 plus benefits, making his entire package worth $268,000, according to school officials.

"I almost feel like a kid again myself," Garcia said. "This is something I've been preparing for my whole life."

Garcia served a three-year stint as superintendent in Fresno. Prior to that he was superintendent of the nearby Sanger Unified School District for three years. Additionally, he held a variety of principal and teaching positions in California.

School Board critic Louis Overstreet questioned whether Garcia has the depth of experience needed to run the Clark County school system.

"I'll be back in two years to either apologize or to say, 'I told you so,' " Overstreet said.

Board members, who last week named Garcia their top pick, continued to sing his praises.

Garcia and Timothy Jenney, Virginia Beach, Va., superintendent, both competed for the position during the board's second series of candidate interviews. Five other hopefuls either bowed out of the race or were eliminated by the School Board during interviews last November and December.

Board member Shirley Barber, who preferred Jenney, vowed to "fully support and work with" Garcia.

The pressure of finding a transition time between superintendents just became a lot easier, board member Ruth Johnson said.

"We're going to have some time to get a strong sense of his leadership style," she said. "Our learning curve just shrunk."

Board member Susan Brager called Garcia an excellent choice, noting that he stands up for all children.

Members of the Hispanic community, Las Vegas' fastest-growing population, enthusiastically expressed their support of Garcia.

"It's a very proud day for Latinos," community activist Helena Garcia said.

Board member Larry Mason said Garcia is the first Hispanic to assume a superintendent's position in the state.

"This is a historical moment for Clark County and the state of Nevada," Mason said.

Several people arrived in the Education Center, shouting cheers and carrying signs: "Garcia, Si!" and "Garcia, A+."

"I am just so emotional over this," said Priscilla Rocha, a Clark County School District teacher and state Board of Education member. "This School Board has really opened my eyes. I've grown to really appreciate them."

Twenty-nine-year school district veteran Dan Reyes, acting chief of the school police force, said it appears Garcia has a lot to offer the district.

"This is my seventh superintendent," Reyes said. "He places children first and seems to be a strong administrator. I'd say we are pretty fortunate."

Garcia said the School Board didn't hire just him, they hired his whole family.

"I'm extremely proud of my husband," his wife, Gail, said. "We are really looking forward to becoming a part of the community."

The Garcias have two children, a daughter and a son. Asia, an aspiring actress, is a sophomore. Ferrari graduates from high school this year. He plans to attend college and become a high school teacher.

Terry Webster covers education for the Sun. She can be reached at (702) 259-4091 or by e-mail at terry@lasvegassun.com