Student leaders get to know superintendent candidates

Terry Webster

Friday, March 24, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.

Palo Verde High School junior Michele McArthur questions whether many of her peers in the Clark County School District understand the superintendent's role.

"I'm not sure most students even know what a superintendent is," she said.

On Thursday about 30 student council representatives from throughout the district found out firsthand. They were among the crowd at Chaparral High School attending a public reception for the two candidates competing to become the district's next leader.

"It's not something students really think about," Rancho High School junior Michelle Guthrie said. "Maybe when we grow up a little more we will realize that even though we didn't see this person, they were working for us."

One of the candidates explained what a superintendent isn't.

Carlos Garcia, superintendent of Fresno Unified School District in California, has said he believes everyone in the schools are equally important.

Until, that is, a parent related that her elementary school son had elevated Garcia to the status of a cartoon hero.

Running breathlessly off of the school bus one day, the small boy proudly announced that his school was paid a visit by "The Super Nintendo."

Candidate Timothy Jenney, superintendent of Virginia Beach City School District, also drew laughter from the crowd with a few jokes. Overall, Jenney's answers were more business-like, students said.

"He seemed a little technical," said Western High School senior Stephanie Fincher.

"I would have liked to hear what his job description would be," Chris Campbell, a junior at Basic High School, said of Jenney. "He seemed very nice. And he seemed like he knew what he was talking about."

A student asked Jenney what he would like to give to students.

"I would make sure your school is safe and secure," Jenney said. "That is not something that happens by accident anymore. I'd also like to make sure you have the kinds of classes and opportunities you want."

Clark County Education Association president Sue Strand questioned Jenney about his dealings with the Virginia Beach teacher's union.

"My relationship with them is not so good," he said. "But we were going through a process I believe was violating the law."

An attorney backed that up, said Jenney. Virginia is an "at-will" employment state and documents were in place for collective bargaining.

"Whether or not there was a personality problem is another issue," he added.

Another question involved making the Clark County School District more financially efficient.

"One way is the ability to say no," Jenney said. "It's an integrated process. It's control over a process and the infusion of efficiency in the process."

Having people with financial expertise is vital, as well, said Jenney.

"I look for (certified public accountants) and people with expertise in managing money," Jenney said.

Jenney and Garcia spent about an hour apiece with the audience, but in that short time, students formed definite opinions about each of them.

Today both candidates will have a chance to make a final impression on the School Board during their second interviews. Board members said they plan to ask more probing questions today.

A decision on who the School Board will hire to replace the retiring Brian Cram is expected by April 6.

The board meets Monday to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of candidates.

Garcia, who appeared after Jenney spoke, immediately began working the tables where students were sitting. Many students approached him to talk with him after the reception.

"I was really impressed with him," said James Sims, a Valley High School junior. "He talked to us like we were human beings. I hope he gets the job."

Valley junior Jennifer Boling also gave Garcia her endorsement.

"I think we would be very satisfied with him," she said.

Cimarron-Memorial High School junior Marisa Ende said she felt comfortable talking with Garcia.

"I asked how big he is on cultural diversity and he said that is probably one of his strongest points," Ende said. "I wasn't even going to ask him a question, but I really liked the way he approached us."

Although he admitted he does not have all of the answers, Garcia gave the audience a huge commitment for what he would do in Clark County.

"I would give this job my life," he said.

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