New school to be named after Crams

Valerie Miller

Friday, May 12, 2000 | 10:57 a.m.

A new middle school will be named after retiring Superintendent Brian Cram and his late wife, Teri Cram, who taught in the Clark County School District until her death in 1997.

The school, planned for Deer Springs Way and Clayton Street in North Las Vegas, will be named the Brian and Teri Cram Middle School, the School Board announced Thursday night.

It was an emotional time for the board. One by one members paid tribute to the couple and tried to sum up the superintendent's accomplishments during his 11-year stewardship over the nation's eighth-largest school district.

"They have left their mark on education and the community," board member Larry Mason said. Mason fought back tears as he spoke of Teri Cram.

"She never took advantage of the fact that she was the wife of the superintendent."

During Mason's tribute to Teri Cram, her husband also wiped tears from his eyes, before telling the board, "This is the greatest honor, and I'm sure Teri would feel the same way."

Cram said it had been a privilege to work with the board members. They told him the feeling was mutual.

"He's been a great influence on my life," board member Ruth Johnson said.

School Board President Mary Beth Scow told Cram, "We appreciate your 11 years and your dedication to children."

Cram, who will retire in July, has been superintendent of schools since 1989. He and his wife graduated from Las Vegas High School.

Honors Cram has received over the years include being named Nevada Superintendent of the Year in 1996. Before he became superintendent, Cram was a district assistant principal, assistant superintendent of intermediate education and principal at Western High School.