Panel backs school fill-in

Terry Webster

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000 | 11:22 a.m.

Media mogul Jim Rogers is the man -- at least according to the Superintendent Selection Process Committee.

The committee, which makes recommendations to the Clark County School Board, this morning agreed to support Rogers as an interim school superintendent until the district can find a permanent one.

Committee member Cheryl Routh opposed the measure, calling it premature. She also suggested the committee is overstepping its bounds and going over the School Board members' heads.

Committee Chairman Sig Rogich said that although recommending Rogers deviates from the process it makes good sense and is a good opportunity.

Committee members said superintendent search consultant William Attea and the School Board should continue looking for a new leader for the district -- the country's eighth largest -- as planned.

They also said appointing Rogers on a temporary basis would allow the School Board more time to make a good decision.

"He's an independent person and can look at (the school district) in the short term," committee member Terry Wright said.

Attea said it would be four to six weeks before a new slate of candidates can be introduced, assuming the board is available to conduct interviews.

Committee member Mark Brown said the recommendation to appoint Rogers should not be perceived as a plan to remove Superintendent Brian Cram, who retires in July.

Clark County Education Association President Sue Strand was not pleased with the recommendation.

"There is a reason for the process," she said.

Another question centered on why Rogers was being recommended when he has not been interviewed.

The School Board meets tonight for further discussion.