State schools chief quitting

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Monday, Nov. 24, 2003 | 11:10 a.m.

McLaughlin, who was hired in January of 2001 and is undergoing treatment for high blood pressure, said he would be in close contact by telephone with Nevada Education Department staff for the remainder of his tenure. He and his family will also continue to be full-time residents of Nevada.

"I am committed to helping the children of Nevada," said McLaughlin, who was hired in January 2001 for a three-year term. "I plan to remain active in the cause of public education in some way."

In a memo sent to board members Friday, McLaughlin notes that he has just turned 62 and after 40 years in public education -- 30 of which have been spent as a superintendent in various districts -- it is "time to enjoy the rest of my life," McLaughlin writes.

"My career has been exciting, intriguing and -- I hope -- productive," McLaughlin's memo states. "I appreciate your dedication to the welfare of Nevada students and wish you well as you go forward."

Gary Waters, president of the Nevada Board of Education, said the board will discuss the situation at its Dec. 12 meeting, including whether to launch a search for a replacement. McLaughlin earns about $100,000 a year.

Waters said that "significant responsibility" is expected to shift to Keith Rheault, deputy superintendent of instruction.

A veteran educator who served as superintendent of the Berkeley, Calif., school district before being hired by the Nevada Education Department, McLaughlin's departure will be a significant loss for the state, Waters said.

"Our thoughts go out to Jack with this medical situation," Waters said. "He has brought a unique and strong perspective to a very tough job."

The news of McLaughlin's planned departure comes as Nevada -- like the rest of the nation's states -- faces increased scrutiny and demands from the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

During the last legislative session McLaughlin aggressively pushed the iNVest plan, backed by the state's 17 local superintendents, which called for increased education funding and expanded programs such as full-day kindergarten for at-risk children. About a third of the plan was adopted.

McLaughlin said this morning he was proud of how the state's educators joined forces during the difficult legislative session -- which included a bitter battle that delayed school funding.

"All the superintendents, the school boards, the teachers, the administrators, they all did a great job working together," McLaughlin said. "The governor has also shown he is very committed to education even in rough times."

McLaughlin has been "a strong ally," said ClarkCounty Schools Superintendent Carlos Garcia.

"He's easy to work with and a first-class educator," Garcia said. "He really knows the issues and understands what's important. It sounds like he's putting his health first, which is the right thing to do, but I'm sorry we won't continue to have him on our side up in Carson City."