Rulffes’ stock is up for top post

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.

Although the Clark County School Board deferred a final vote on a new superintendent Friday, members sent signals that local candidate Walt Rulffes stands in a strong position.

School Board member Larry Mason and President Ruth Johnson noted that Rulffes had performed well in the interview process and had earned the respect of the education community through his work as the district's chief financial officer.

"There is some safeness in having someone who has been the interim, who knows how we work and what needs to be done," Mason said.

"His strongest point is his known integrity," Johnson said. "There would be no transition with Dr. Rulffes."

By comparison, support was less uniform for the other candidate still in the hunt -- Eric Nadelstern, chief academic officer for new schools in New York City. Nadelstern also oversees that district's "autonomy zone," a pilot program that grants more authority to individual schools.

If Rulffes represents the opportunity for the district to build on existing initiatives, Nadelstern would mean revamping much of what it does -- its long-term goals as well as the boundaries between the central office and the individual schools.

Nadelstern is an advocate of decentralization, with less interference by central administration and more site-based decision-making by principals and teachers. He is also the choice of the Council for Better Nevada, a coalition of leading chief executives.

SchoolBoard members Terri Janison and Susan Brager-Wellman, a candidate for the Clark County Commission, suggested Nadelstern was the type of innovator Clark County needed.

But board member Sheila Moulton said, "I cannot support Eric Nadelstern." While he was engaging and impressive during the interview process, she said, he does not have enough experience and has never served as superintendent of an entire district.

Johnson noted that Nadelstern has no background in overseeing bond programs, a major component of the Clark County School District's operations and the backbone of the $3.5 billion capital improvement plan.

Members Mary Beth Scow and Shirley Barber said they were impressed by both candidates. Barber added that while she wasn't sure that Nadelstern's ideas were the best fit for Clark County, "something needs to change."

The third finalist, Peter Gorman of the Tustin, Calif., School District, did not survive the day. Board members voiced concerns about his relative youth and lack of experience in large districts. Others suggested that his pledge to stay 10 years was unrealistic.

"We don't need another superintendent who is going to use us as a training ground for somewhere else," Mason said. "Been there. Done that."

After removing Gorman from consideration, the board voted 7-0 to recess until Tuesday morning. At that time, members could choose a successor to former Superintendent Carlos Garcia or schedule site visits, including to New York.

Although many members seemed inclined to choose Rulffes, they did express cautions that suggest the question is not closed.

Janison said she was impressed by Rulffes, but with a caveat.

Rulffes is 65. He said that he would serve for three to five years before retiring.

"Dr. Rulffes is so respected and so beloved by everyone, including myself," Janison said. "But this three- to five-year commitment has been a major concern."

Regardless of the outcome, Moulton said, she wants to see a unified decision.

"It has to be a strong vote," Moulton said. "A 4-3 vote would be very difficult for me to accept."

Emily Richmond can be reached at 259-8829 or at emily@lasvegassun.com.