Hawk to face ethics commission

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 | 8:57 a.m.

Former State Board of Education member John Hawk will appear Wednesday before the Nevada Commission on Ethics to respond to allegations that he used his elected post for his own advantage.

A two-member panel determined last month there was "just and sufficient cause" for the full commission to examine the circumstances surrounding the Nevada State High School, a dual-credit program that will allow students to take classes at Nevada State College in Henderson.

Hawk went to the ethics commission in November and sought an opinion as to whether he could keep his seat on the state board even if his colleagues were asked to sponsor the charter school. The ethics commission determined a conflict of interest would exist.

The ethics commission took the unusual step of launching its own investigation into Hawk's actions. As a result four violations of state statute have been alleged, including that Hawk failed to fully disclose his personal and financial interests in the charter school, sought preferential treatment and ignored the earlier ethics commission decision that advised him to resign.

Hawk, a corporate trainer with the Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program, initially sought sponsorship from the Clark County School District, a scenario the ethics commission had stated would not pose a conflict of interest. But the Clark County School Board withdrew its backing of the charter school, citing concerns about the abbreviated academic calendar and teacher credentials.

After several months of wrangling over details Hawk's state education board colleagues approved the charter application at a special meeting July 28. Hawk announced his resignation moments later.

Wednesday's hearing is expected to be conducted at the Legislative Building in Carson City.

Hawk said his wife will be running the school when it opens its doors Monday to 38 students for a two-week orientation Aug. 30. She will be taking a leave of absence from her duties as an assistant principal in Clark County, Hawk said.

He declined to comment on the upcoming ethics commission hearing except to say that he was looking forward to "the facts getting out."

Because Hawk is unopposed on the ballot for the District 1 seat, he will likely have to resign a second time following the September primary. Gov. Kenny Guinn is expected to appoint a replacement for Hawk until a special election can be held.