Las Vegas Sun

April 25, 2024

Peterson to leave state’s top education job

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Mary Peterson, who has served as state superintendent of public instruction since January 1995, announced today she would not seek reappointment when her term ends in December.

Her announcement came at state Board of Education meeting in Las Vegas today.

She said much has been accomplished in the last six years in the field of education but much remains to be done.

No single person can take full credit, she said.

"Nevertheless, I'm proud to say that during my tenure Nevada adopted higher academic standards for what students should know and be able to do.

"The assessment system expanded to include more criterion referenced tests and Nevada's first-time participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

"The accountability system is now used to identify low performing schools and help them improve," she said.

Peterson earns $94,000 a year. The board did not say when a replacement will be named.

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