State gets two applications for schools post

Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

Only two candidates have surfaced in the search for a new superintendent of Nevada's public schools, a position that is vacant as of Saturday.

State officials have known since Nov. 21 that a new superintendent was needed. That was the day Jack McLaughlin notified them that he would be retiring. Saturday is his last day as superintendent. He has been on sick leave since November.

Gary Waters, president of the state Education Board and responsible for coordinating the applications for the position, said although there are only two candidates so far, he expected interest to pick up after this week's debut of advertisements for the position in professional and trade publications.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate," Waters said. "I'm optimistic we're going to find that person."

At its meeting Saturday the board will hear an update on the search, which ends Feb. 17. While there is an agenda item that would allow the board to appoint a superintendent at Saturday's meeting -- placed at the request of board member Barbara Myers -- Waters said he would prefer to finish the search process.

"It's under way and it only seems fair to see it through," Waters said.

So far just two people have expressed interest in the job -- Keith Rheault, deputy superintendent of instruction for the state education department, and a candidate from New Mexico, Waters said.

The actual applications won't be opened until the full board meets at a special meeting next month.

Board members have said the new superintendent must be prepared to deal with the challenges of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, work effectively with the state's 17 local school superintendents and also be comfortable in the political arena.

"We need a person who is going to go after federal funding at every level," board member Theresa Malone said. "We can't be assured the Legislature is going to take the time to do what needs to be done."

At the board's Jan. 10 meeting Rheault was appointed interim superintendent for the duration of the search. Rheault has informed the board of his intention to apply for the permanent post. The board also voted to spend $10,000 on a limited search and to process the initial applications at a special meeting Feb. 21.

"This kind of open selection process has never been done before," Waters said."This is a first for us and it means everyone -- the board members, the public -- is going to see the applications at the same time."

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have a master's degree in either education or school administration.

The board was divided on whether to even conduct a search or simply appoint Rheault outright -- a possibility allowed under state statute.

The state superintendent's base salary of $107,433 is set by the Legislature. Clark County Schools Superintendent Carlos Garcia earns $208,080.

Garcia said he hoped McLaughlin's successor would be someone who was "approachable, open to constructive criticism and willing to lend a helping hand."

During the last legislative session the state's 17 superintendents -- with McLaughlin at the helm -- pushed the iNVest plan, which called for $879 million increased education funding and programs.

"That kind of cooperation statewide had never been accomplished before," Garcia said.