Three remain: Scoping out the candidates

Friday, Jan. 13, 2006 | 8:59 a.m.

Watch them live: The interviews will be broadcast live on Cox cable channel 96. Seating is also available at KLVX Channel 10 studios, 4210 Channel 10 Drive. The School Board has allotted 90 minutes for each candidate:

Candidate: Peter Gorman, 41, Tustin, Calif., Unified School District.

Community:

A visionary leader. He says he will be committed to being here 10 years. This will be important for the district's success. Although he is younger than the other candidates, this will be offset by high energy and a long-term commitment to our community and our children.

Avoided minority and diversity issues, answers too general.

He seems to be hands-on and knows issues within his district. Will he be able to do that in this huge district? Good idea to "grow our own" teachers and target the military to teach in schools.

Employees:

Although his youth is a concern in regards to length of experience, as well as how well received he may be by not-as-young colleagues, I like what he has to say. He has energy.

Dr. Gorman seems to have a pragmatic view of education and the Clark County School District. He wants input instead of issuing directives.

Please hire this man. He brings youth but also experience, passion and commitment to the overall district -- students first and foremost -- teachers, parents and the community.

Parents:

How will he limit school population and size with high land costs, continual re-zoning and the large number of new children each year?

He seems to have the political background needed, plus he can see the importance of parental involvement.

He addressed bringing a remedial stduent up to the proper level but what about the reverse situation? What happens to an exceptional student who is forced to stagnate?

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Candidate: Eric Nadelstern, 55 Chief academic officer for the New York City Department of Education

Community:

I like the idea of smaller schools and questioning where the responsibility falls. Change is not a fear for this candidate.

Most districts never get the chance to get this kind of person -- his accomplishments demonstrate that what he believes will work is already working in New York City.

Too much criticism of a district he has only visited.

Employee:

I am very concerned about his small-school ideas. How do we do it in our own existing buildings?

He is willing to shake things up and take the heat. He believes in principals making decisions that currently are made at the district level.

My concern is that he will be a proponent of deconsolidation.

Parents:

This is a tremendous opportunity to make a permanent positive impact on our school system. He has all the tools to have the ability to change, improve and lead the district.

He would be effective not only in improving outcomes for students but also in leading the Clark County School district to becoming a national role model.

Many of the reforms he suggested are already being implemented in the district. Principals hire their own teachers from a large qualified pool. Magnet programs and charter schools offer smaller learning communities.

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Candidate: Walt Rulffes, 65 Interim superintendent, Clark County School District

Community:

He has proven to be ethical.

I would have liked to hear more about his vision for resolving the issue of students not graduating.

Did not answer question about school diversity.

Employees:

His best strengths -- supports alternative approaches to licensing and increased efforts to help students pass the high school proficiency exam.

A proven leader, he is the most qualified for the job. He brings more than just consistency, he brings opportunity for informed reform.

Dr. Rulffes has the experience of knowing where the School District has been, so his jumping-off point may be more realistic.

Parents:

He was the most believable candidate in his professed commitment to parental involvement.