Education panel plans superintendent search

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Monday, Dec. 15, 2003 | 9:19 a.m.

The state Board of Education will hold a special meeting Jan. 10 to discuss launching a search for a replacement for state Superintendent Jack McLaughlin.

Board members voted Friday to detail not only the parameters of the search but to hammer out a job description for prospective applicants. McLaughlin, who was hired in December 2000 after a nationwide search, told board members in a memo last month that he would not seek a second three-year term. McLaughlin has been out on sick leave while undergoing treatment for high blood pressure.

The job of superintendent requires a savvy educator who can also handle the political pressures of the job, board member Theresa Malone said. Given the fractious nature of the last legislative session, the superintendent must also be able to work with both the governor and the Legislature, Malone said.

Reluctant to spend the $34,000 to $50,000 estimated for another nationwide search, board members said they would favor focusing efforts and advertising within Nevada while still accepting applications from out-of-state candidates.

Board member Barbara Meyers said her constituents in the rural districts already know who they want to fill the position -- Keith Rheault, the Education Department's deputy superintendent of instruction. Meyers said given the outpouring of support for Rheault she would be comfortable making a direct appointment to the position as allowed by state statute.

Board member Marcia Washington concurred, saying she, too, was opposed to spending unnecessary dollars on a nationwide search.

While adding his admiration for the job Rheault has done, the board's president, Gary Waters, reminded his colleagues of a key point.

"We don't have any idea if (Rheault) wants the job," said Waters, whose remark drew chuckles from the other members.

During a recess in Saturday's meeting, Rheault said he was interested in the position, a change from the last time the board opened up a search three years ago. Rheault, who has been with the Education Department for 18 years, said he would wait until after the board's Jan. 10 meeting to make a decision.

"If they're looking for a politician and PR guy, I may not be as interested," Rheault said.

Rheault served as interim superintendent during the search that led to McLaughlin's hiring and has served under three superintendents. McLaughlin's term ends Jan. 31.

The board must also decide at that meeting whether an individual -- such as Rheault -- could serve as the interim superintendent and also be a candidate for the job.