Cram to work for foundation

Terry Webster

Tuesday, June 20, 2000 | 11:09 a.m.

Retiring Clark County School District Superintendent Brian Cram has accepted a position as director of educational and community initiatives for the Greenspun Family Foundation.

The announcement was made today by Susan Fine, the foundation's executive director, and Barbara Greenspun, foundation director and publisher of the Las Vegas Sun.

"The Greenspun family has a track record of being advocates for public schools and children's issues," said Cram. "This position will allow me the chance to work with people who also believe in these causes."

In his new role, Cram will focus on public education, higher education and community concerns.

"I've been very disturbed that some children have suffered," said Cram. "As adults, it's our responsibility to take very good care of children."

As Las Vegas continues to rapidly grow, the risk of children "falling through the cracks" will increase, said Cram.

"My family has always had a keen interest in helping to find ways and means to provide a better education for children, especially those in need," said Brian Greenspun, chief executive officer of the Greenspun Corporation, president and editor of the Sun and foundation director. "Brian brings the experience, knowledge and dedication we need to further our efforts."

Cram said one of the projects he will propose is a distance learning program in conjunction with the school district. Under the program, instructional videos would be displayed on televisions throughout early education programs in Clark County.

Cram also would like to see summer school provided free of charge to students who need that service. Currently, a fee is charged for summer school, making it difficult for students of disadvantaged families to attend.

Another concern is teacher recruitment, Cram said.

"Only well-trained teachers are going to be able to truly make a difference," he said.

After his retirement at the end of July, Cram will meet with foundation executives to outline his proposals. Cram, who served as superintendent of the Clark County School District for 11 years, begins his foundation position Aug. 1. His salary was not disclosed.

"He has a lot of good ideas and we will be discussing those ideas with him, to see how they mesh with the family's desire to impact education for young people," Brian Greenspun said. "Then, he will be leading any efforts we agree upon. We're very excited about this opportunity and we hope others in the community will feel the same, so perhaps we can have a significant impact on the needs of the current generation and the opportunities for the next one."

Pointing to Cram's experience, Brian Greenspun said he was a natural choice for the position.

"I casually dropped a hint: 'What are you going to do when you get out?' " Brian Greenspun said. "We have known Brian Cram practically since the first time he got involved with public education. He's an outstanding individual and has managed throughout his public education career to maintain a sense of honesty and integrity that has been unassailed. We're delighted to have him on board."

Brian Greenspun also said Cram is one of the most experienced administrators and educators in the state and always has displayed a passion for helping young people succeed.

"He has a desire to try to fix what is wrong with public education policy today," he said.

Cram began his education career as a teacher in Arizona and also taught at the UNLV graduate school. From there, he served as assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent of the Clark County School District.

He has been a board member for numerous community and service organizations, including KNPR Public Radio, the United Way, Nevada Development Authority, Community College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Council PTA, Las Vegas Rotary Club, Nevada Institute of Contemporary Art, Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce.

Among Cram's honors and awards are Nevada Superintendent of the Year (1996), Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Circle of Excellence Award, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Award, Honorary Associate Degree in Human Letters from the Community College of Southern Nevada, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Community Service honoree and United Blood Services "Tribute to Life" honoree.

"It's just one of the positive changes occurring in my life," Cram said of his position with The Greenspun Family Foundation. He will marry Susie Burton, the chief operating officer of Sunrise Hospital, in September.