By Emily Richmond (contact)

Tue, Nov 25, 2008 (5:52 p.m.)

Marsha Irvin, superintendent of the Clark County School District’s northeast region, has been named chancellor of the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, effective Jan. 14, 2009.

The charter school’s elementary, middle and high school principals will report to Irvin, the first person to hold the newly created chancellor position. She will also oversee financial operations, human resources and facilities, Agassi Prep said in a press release sent out this afternoon.

In an interview with the Sun, Irvin said she spent the afternoon at a series of meetings, notifying her region’s principals of her impending departure.

The news was met with “Shock, surprise and some tears,” Irvin said. “When you’re in a school system for 26 years, and you have wonderful people to work with, it was very challenging to make a final decision to leave.”

At the same time, Irvin said, “I also know that opportunities like this don’t come along often.”

Agassi Prep heavily recruited Irvin, who made a point of mentioning that she hadn’t been looking for new employment.

In the press release, the school’s founder and namesake said, “Marsha Irvin shares my belief that with education, there is hope. With Marsha’s leadership, every Agassi Prep student will gain access to a bright future. The members of the Agassi Prep family—students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, community partners and board of directors—have exciting times ahead.”

While considered a good get by Agassi Prep, Irvin’s defection is a blow to the School District. A hugely popular administrator, Irvin is widely praised for her leadership, innovation and work ethic.

“Marsha Irvin has long been an effective advocate for the children and parents of the Clark County School District,” said Superintendent Walt Rulffes, commenting in the press release. “Her creative thinking has led to many innovative and effective practices in her region, including school choice, same gender classes, and the establishment of a college culture. Each initiative has been crafted with a focus on improving student achievement.”

Rulffes said he’s “disappointed that her career path is taking her in a new direction, but not surprised, since her leadership and performance have been recognized by many outside the district. Agassi Prep is extremely fortunate to gain Marsha Irvin as its chief administrator. She will no doubt continue to be successful in her new pursuits, and we wish her the very best as she accepts this opportunity.”

Clark County School Board Vice President Terri Janison said the loss of Irvin is mitigated by the fact that Irvin will continue to be part of the region’s larger education community.

“Even though it’s a charter school,” Janison said, “They’re still our kids.”