Garcia has ‘constructive’ meeting with School Board

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 | 9:34 a.m.

The Clark County School Board met with Superintendent Carlos Garcia in a closed session Monday to discuss his performance, emerging after 90 minutes to pronounce in a prepared statement that the "dialogue was constructive."

The specifics of the session were not disclosed, with the only public remarks being the prepared statement read by School Board President Susan Brager-Wellman.

"We all want every student to do the absolute best of their ability," Brager-Wellman said following the meeting. "We are on the same page as Mr. Garcia about that."

Garcia said he was glad to have the opportunity to speak with the School Board members and provide them with updates on his initiatives. Members relayed their concerns about the poor showing by Clark County students on the state high school proficiency test, Garcia said.

Nearly one out of every five Clark County high school seniors failed to earn a diploma at last week's graduation ceremonies because of a failing score on the math section of the test.

"Student achievement is the No. 1 priority on all of our minds," Garcia said. "We talked about what we've accomplished and where they want me to direct my priorities."

Clark County School District regulations required the School Board to meet with the superintendent before July 1. Garcia's full evaluation took place in January, with the board giving him a vote of confidence, the same 2 percent pay increase extended to all administrators and a one-year extension on his contract.

The superintendent is evaluated using several benchmarks, including student test scores, treatment of students, staff and parents and how effectively Garcia communicates with the School Board.