Board, teachers, parents bid farewell to Tarkanian

Terry Webster

Friday, Dec. 15, 2000 | 10:19 a.m.

Lois Tarkanian ended her 12-year tenure on the Clark County School Board Thursday with enough flowers, cards and plaques to fill a small gift shop.

About 35 administrators, teachers, parents and friends recognized Tarkanian for her work and accomplishments on the board.

Members of the group credited Tarkanian with leading efforts to improve math and science programs, special education, foreign language for elementary school students, programs for homeless children and technology.

Tarkanian also was praised for her work in establishing the district's education foundation and for raising some $2 million for it.

"It's going to be hard to fill those shoes," said Denise Brodsky, who will take Tarkanian's place on the board in January.

Tarkanian did not seek re-election to the School Board after her term expired this year, choosing instead to run for the County Commission. She lost that race to Chip Maxfield.

"I'm in awe and I'm emotionally exhausted," said Tarkanian following the presentation. "This meant very much to me."

Tarkanian, 66, added that she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and "do things I haven't had time to do."

Superintendent Carlos Garcia thanked Tarkanian for her years of service.

"I wish I could have had to opportunity to spend more time working with you," he said. "I really think I could have learned a lot from you."

Looking back at her time on the School Board, Tarkanian said, "Most of it was good."

During regular action, the board agreed to purchase property at the northeast corner of Flamingo Road and McLeod Drive for $3.7 million. Channel 10, the district's public television station, is interested in the site as a location for a new digital television facility.

Plans call for a 60,000-foot building on the site to house computer equipment for the network and eight distance learning classrooms. The board also: