Sun editorial:

Spotlight on candidates who seek education seats

Four for School Board: Goldman, Matthew, Garvey and Janison

Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 | 2:08 a.m.

With four of its seven seats on the ballot, the Clark County School Board will see a major change this election.

Three of the seats are open as the board is losing three members with significant experience — Mary Beth Scow, Ruth Johnson and Shirley Barber — who were all first elected in 1996. Barber decided not to run again. Scow and Johnson were forced from office by term limits.

The fourth seat is held by Terri Janison, who is running for reelection.

The district, the fifth largest in the nation with more than 300,000 students, needs stable and experienced leadership as the economic downturn has resulted in rounds of budget cuts.

The decisions the board makes during these times will affect students for years to come.

The board members will have to be effective and tireless advocates for education who can clearly communicate and work with the community as well as political leaders to help improve the quality of education in Clark County. They will also have to find ways to work with each other as well as with school staff, parents and students.

In District A, which includes Henderson and southeastern Clark County, Ed Goldman, a School District administrator, clearly understands the issues facing the schools. Goldman, who holds a doctorate in education, has specific ideas about how to improve the quality of education. He says he’ll retire if he wins. He would also have to step out of his role as day-to-day administrator to take a wider view as a policymaker. Goldman is the best qualified in this race. The Sun endorses Ed Goldman.

Chris Garvey brings a good perspective to the race for the District B seat, which represents the northeastern part of Las Vegas and Clark County. Garvey, a dental technician, is a former PTA mom who understands the issues and frustrations of parents. Her experience as a parent is balanced by her comprehension of the complexity of the issues facing the School District. The Sun endorses Chris Garvey.

Retired Principal Ronan Matthew is facing school administrator Linda Young for the District C seat, representing central Las Vegas and parts of North Las Vegas. Both candidates have doctoral degrees and significant experience in education, but Matthew stands out. Community leaders support him with good reason. He was a stellar principal and, having served for years in the trenches and having children who have been educated in the district, he has a clear view of what the schools need to do to improve. His experience and understanding are sorely needed on a board that has been criticized as being out of touch. The Sun endorses Ronan Matthew.

Terri Janison has been a great addition to the board as the representative from District E, which includes western Las Vegas and northwestern Clark County. She was elected two years ago to fill out a term and has brought energy and ideas to the board. She has been accessible, active in the community and a great advocate for education. Janison has proved herself and deserves another term. The Sun endorses Terri Janison.

Discussion: 21 comments so far…

By mwh710

10/10/08 at 5:07 a.m.

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Just say NOOOOO!!!!!!! to Chris Garvey and Terri Janison. No more bored housewives that know nothing about education. If we were electing someone for a medical board, I'd vote for someone with a medical background. Same with education.Ron Taylor is a FAR better choice for District B, & he will retire from being a teacher to work full time, not just a side gig for his ego.

Janison - more of the same that we've had the last 10years, bad decisions, poor oversight. Time for incumbants to move on & inflict the board with new blood. It has been inbreed for far too long.
By SDG

10/10/08 at 7:36 a.m.

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In contrast to what mwh elected to post - here are facts:

1. Chris Garvey is far from a "bored housewife". Professionally, she's a dental hygenist, who worked and raised her own family, and was instrumental in starting free dental clinics where low-income children could receive free care.

2. Chris has many years' experience working as a grassroots community activist -- including advocating for and negotiating with the District and Board to build schools in the NW area of the valley.

3. Ron Taylor didn't originally think he HAD to give up his position as a teacher -- didn't understand or believe that there was an actual conflict of interest in being both a board member (with oversight of budgetary issues) and a teacher (who is paid out of that same budget). Why would I support a candidate who is intellectually incapabale of understanding a concept as basic as this? Does Mr. Taylor bring this same brilliant thought process to his classroom?
By retirteacher

10/10/08 at 2:50 p.m.

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Eddie is a phony who believes he is God's Gift to Education whereas he is a sycophant for whomever the Superintendent maybe. His rating with teachers is zero and well earned. Ron Taylor is more than qualified. He will hold CCSD and CCEA accountable.
By mwh710

10/10/08 at 3:46 p.m.

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Fine SDG, she still know squat about education. She brings nothing new to the table & is nothing but a mouthpiece for her neighbor who, thank heavens, couldn't run again.

Ron, on the other hand, brings accountability to the table - which is exactly what they are afraid of. They are afraid of what he will expose. The inbreeding has gone on far too long.
By mwh710

10/10/08 at 3:57 p.m.

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Goldman has experience, but the wrong kind. He hates teachers, he hates kids. He is in for the power. Saints preserve us. No Goldman.
By ZeddyBear

10/10/08 at 7:14 p.m.

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" Garvey, a dental technician, is a former PTA mom who understands the issues and frustrations of parents. Her experience as a parent is balanced by her comprehension of the complexity of the issues facing the School District. The Sun endorses Chris Garvey."

You have to be kidding! This person knows absolutely zilch about the school district and it complexities. The Sun is endorsing her because she's a MOM? Give me a break!

Mr. Taylor has definitive ideas about CCSD, the education of our children, and what it takes to be on the school board. In fact, he has one qualification that Chris Garvey lacks, and that is intelligence.

If you want a change on the school board, then the only logical choice is Ron Taylor for Seat B.
By GuestOfUKTLV

10/10/08 at 7:24 p.m.

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As a teacher for 18 years, I disagree with at least 2 of the Sun's choices for school board. At a debate at Cheyenne High School, Linda Young was by far the most knowledgable and energetic candidate. She had excellent rapport with students, parents, and attending teachers.

Ron Taylor ran circles around Chris Garvey. Garvey mentioned today in an interview on KNPR that she wants to tax the mining industry to fund education and build smaller schools.

Taylor wants CCSD to put as many teachers as possible back into the schools and work with existing buildings. Taylor points out that there are 18k teachers in CCSD with only 14k teachers assigned to schools. That's 4,000 teachers NOT working with kids. Taylor showed a bigger desire to respect taxpayers money combined with substaintially improving CCSD.

The Sun obviously missed the debate at Cheyenne and has no inside sources at KNPR.

A big YES! to Eddie Goldman.
By teacher

10/10/08 at 7:43 p.m.

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Ron Taylor for District B. It's time for somebody who understands a classroom to serve on this board. I wonder whose friend Garvey is that she's endorsed by the Sun. Vote Taylor in B.
By teacher

10/10/08 at 8:06 p.m.

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By the way, I now know to put no credence whatsoever in the Sun's endorsements. If you care about education and live in District B, the best choice is Taylor. I work very, very hard, as do most teachers, and if I ever have the chance to quit I will, because this is a terrible district for teachers. My life is nothing but work, with nothing to show for it - forget vacations, retirement, etc. But it's nice for irresponsible parents who threaten lawsuits, and for their equally irresponsible children; and for those interested in nepotism; and for flunkies who retire and want to be hired as highly-paid "consultants" or to win other wasteful, superfluous positions; or for friends or neighbors or church pals of board members, who want a building contract or the like.

Taylor has been working in a classroom here for a number of years. He will retire if elected. He knows what this district needs in a way that nobody on the board does. The one board member who had a clue, Barber, is retiring.

If you're anti-teacher, go ahead and vote for the Sun's friend in district B, but don't complain when your kid keeps getting subs, or sub-standard teachers, instead of quality. (Maybe they can hire some school painters at their painter rate, which is higher than teachers in many cases.)

Many teachers in this district can't even get copy paper this year, but the board wants to pay $2200 per day for consultants. (See R-J article previously this week.) They can consult me - an actual classroom teacher - for free, if they'd do this community the favor of wising up and listening to teachers instead of treating them like trash. Taylor will listen to teachers, because he knows the hell they go through, and he knows they are the ones who understand what the problems are.

I'm a parent, too, but that didn't give me the expertise needed for a school board seat. Being a teacher has taught me an enormous amount about why CCSD is one of the most failing institutions in the state. Vote Taylor.
By kona

10/10/08 at 10:05 p.m.

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It is just mindboggling that the Sun would endorse a candidate as out of touch with reality as Chris Garvey. Who in their right mind would start a "door-knocking" campaign to get truant students to school? When does she propose this take place? Who is going to do this? Where is the money going to come from? Oh---from raising taxes on the mining industry? And, what of her thumbing her nose at the NRS regarding truancy? Now she doesn't want to hold parents accountable for their own children? If not the parents, then who? Oh, that's right the school district! Her next ridiculous proposal is to require casinos to hire those who at minimum have a high school diploma! First of all, what makes her even begin to think she has the power to even do that?? I want to know what the heck she put in her cereal because I have never in all my 32 years here seen anyone so delusional as Chris Garvey! And her qualifications? PULEEEASE!! I read a few books on herbal cures, so I guess that qualifies me to become a brain surgeon!! Chris Garvey didn't even know there was a high school in Mesquite and the SUN is endorsing this clueless puppet?? The fact remains that education in this district has passed through the toilet and is running straight out to sea. In the next two years, the district and the state will see hundreds of millions of dollars cut from their budgets. Principals were just told that they must cut 3.5% of their budgets now. We need a person who knows the system, knows where the waste is, knows who's lining their pockets, and know where the skeletons are in this district. We need a person who has intimate knowledge of what it is to be a teacher. That person is RON TAYLOR. We need his knowledge, expertise and common sense---not someone who wants to knock on doors begging students to go to school. VOTE FOR RON TAYLOR!
By Prov31wnt2b

10/10/08 at 10:39 p.m.

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I am wondering if one does not have the knowledge of the intricacies of the state statutes, if that should prevent one from pursuing an office. I appreciate the enlightenment about the "conflict of interest". I; however, still do not see the conflict. Of course, Mr. Taylor, would not vote on issues that possibly would conflict with his job. I have read postings to that effect. So why would he have to retire to serve in a public office? Do all individuals on our school board retire from employment to serve? I think not. Do they refrain from voting on issues (contracts) when there may be a "conflict of interest"? I hope so, but I fear not.

It seems logical that an individual that has been in the schools working with children in the public classrooms would have knowledge to better the system. My observations are that the individuals in the position to make changes and benefit children are not interested in doing so. Teachers teach and pour out their lives to the children. We reach them one at a time. Yet the perception is that we are greedy, lazy, and selfish. From my experience, the opposite is true.

I believe that Ron Taylor is the best choice for residents of Seat B. For our children we must vote Ron Taylor onto the school board!
By bruno

10/11/08 at 8:09 a.m.

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Shame on you to the Las Vegas Sun!

When did taking an objective stance and reporting the news get supplanted with selling out to the highest bidder? Perhaps you are simpy just following the example set by one of your endorsements, Janison. Playing favorites when it comes to granting contracts to those who supported her campaign financially.

As for Garvey, once you actually hear this woman talk you may reconsider your support. A "PTA mom" knows very little about how the educations system should be run. Perhaps I should become a dentist, after all I brush after every meal. Just because I know how to put gas in my car and change my oil does not make me fit to run for president of Ford Motor Company.

What is worse if this puppet is elected that just means four more years of her neighbor on the board. And that means not only will the puppet be getting the hand up its rear, but District students and teachers will as well.
By TeacherInLV

10/11/08 at 11:42 a.m.

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I can't believe that LV Sun would endorse Chris Garvey. I was present at the Cheyenne High School event. The event was to begin promptly at 6:00 PM... and it did. Chris Garvey showed up 40 minutes late. Her presentation was filled with inaccuracies, and this is the person you endorsed?

If you have an axe to grind with Ron Taylor, that's one thing, but to endorse someone who does NOT have an iota of what is going on in this school district is something else altogether.

Mr. Taylor has a grasp of what is ailing in this school district, and Ms. Garvey does not. She should stay in the dentist's office and leave the governing of this school district to someone who knows what is going on.

In time, I am sure the Sun will come to its collective senses to realize they goofed. I will respect this publication even more if they admit its mistake and endorse the only candidate who knows what is really going on in CCSD -- Mr. Ron Taylor.
By CCSDTeacher

10/11/08 at 12:19 p.m.

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Chris Garvey? I can't believe you would pick this clown over an eminently qualified candidate like Ron Taylor. There must be something we just don't see.

Let's look at the candidates.

Ms. Garvey has a 2-year degree in dental hygiene. She cleans teeth. The last time she was in classroom she was a student -- and not a teacher. She doesn't understand the issues facing students and teachers. She has no idea about the CCSD budget. But she is a friend of the previous school board member - Ruth Johnson. They both attend the same church.

Mr. Taylor is a teacher with a masters degree. He has taught for over 15 years. He understands the issues facing CCSD, its teachers, and its students.

It is clear to ALL the voters in District B that Ron Taylor is the candidate of choice. Why Oh why did the Sun choose to endorse Garvey is a mystery to all of us in this district. Perhaps Garvey "paid" for this endorsement. If that's the case, we can only surmise that the Sun is also on the "take."

Thank you for setting the record straight. Those who THINK will be voting for Ron Taylor.... and those who DON'T will be voting for Chris Garvey.
By VoteWithPride

10/13/08 at 6:30 p.m.

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I'm puzzled by the Sun's endorsements of candidates Ed Goldman and Ronan Matthew for school trustees. While it may be true that experience is often a critical factor when considering candidates, experience should also be matched with a record of success, and it is here that the Sun errs when recommending Goldman and Matthew. Neither candidate can lay claim to a particularly stellar record when it comes to leadership skills, and the Sun certainly contradicts itself when endorsing these candidates after suggesting that our new school trustees will have to find ways to work with each other as well as with school staff, parents and students. Neither of these school administrators is known for their ability to foster a spirit of cooperation. In fact, Goldman, who seems to worry more about whether teachers should be allowed to wear denim than he does about quality teaching and student achievement, is widely known for a leadership style that most would describe as dictatorial. As former head of the school district's contract negotiating team, Goldman's unwillingness to negotiate in good faith resulted in a series of money-wasting contract arbitrations, all of which the district lost.

To the Sun's credit, however, are the endorsements of Terri Janison and Chris Garvey. Janison has a proven record of examining issues and listening to the opinions of her constituents, teachers, and other school employees, and she has made problem solving a priority. Chris Garvey has a longtime record as a successful grassroots advocate for education, and her credentials include service as Legislative Chair for the Nevada State PTA on both the state and local level. She understand the concerns of both parents and teachers, and she is determined to make sure that all interested parties have a seat at the table as community members and educators work together to improve education in Clark County. She understands the importance of holding the district's top administrators accountable for taxpayers' dollars, and she is committed to creating policies that help assure student success. Chris Garvey is the very best choice for trustee in District B, and if Garvey is elected along with Janison, Deanna Wright, and Linda Young, the public and our schools will be well served.
By CCSDTeacher

10/14/08 at 9:46 p.m.

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One has to look closely at Chris Garvey. Her campaign manager is Gary Gray. Yes, the same Gary Gray who is now being looked at very carefully for his less than ethical standards when it comes to campaign contributions. Ms. Garvey has also another unfortunate link to corruption --- Gray was Erin Kenny's campaign manager. I wonder if Ms. Garvey knew that about her campaign manager? I doubt it. She doesn't seem to have a grasp at what is going on in the school district.

Ron Taylor is the ONLY choice for Seat B on the CCSD Board of Trustees.
By nvcitizen55

10/17/08 at 9:55 p.m.

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If you want to know the truth about Ron Taylor go to ww.therealrontaylor.com
By nvcitizen55

10/17/08 at 9:56 p.m.

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www.therealrontaylor.com
By GuestOfUKTLV

10/18/08 at 6:43 a.m.

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If you want to know the truth about Ron Taylor go to http://therealrontaylor.net He has had the courage and conviction to take a public stand for what he believes in his entire life. Exactly the type of courage and conviction that can put CCSD back on track.

http://therealrontaylor.net
By VoteWithPride

10/18/08 at 7:34 p.m.

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I doubt the voting public is really looking back at this outdated string of comments, but just in case, let's set the record straight on a couple of things.

First, the web address posted by GuestOfKTLV is intended to take the reader to Mr. Taylor's campaign website. The website with the shocking truth about Taylor is:

http://www.therealrontaylor.com (The "dot com" is what's important.)

It should also be made clear that Chris Garvey most definitely IS familiar with the CCSD budget, and she and Mr. Taylor happen to agree that it's time to take a close look at how money is being spent in order to make certain that the district's funds make it to our classrooms. The major difference between the candidates is in how each one plans to get the job done.

Mr. Taylor's idea of problem solving, decidedly obvious at http://www.therealrontaylor.com (that's "dot com" and NOT .net or .info), seems to be based on the theory that an atmosphere of anger and dissention is productive.

Chris Garvey understands that improving education in Clark County should be a community endeavor, with parents, teachers, school administrators, and yes, even students sitting down at the table, working as a team. Garvey's style and philosophy is exactly what we need on the school board of trustees.

By contrast, Mr. Taylor's apparent inability to work well with others, as described at http://www.therealrontaylor.com, will most certainly prove to be counter-productive.

Finally, let's clear up this false notion that Chris Garvey is a friend of Ruth Johnson and a members of the same church, as if that even matters. Chris Garvey was running against Johnson in the primaries BEFORE the court declared that term limits precluded Johnson from running again. It was Garvey's intent from the beginning to unseat Ruth Johnson. As for Garvey and Johnson being members of the same church, again, as if that mattered, it's simply not true. The two women are not of the same faith, and despite the claims made on a website maintained by Mr. Taylor, Chris Garvey, who happens not to be LDS, is NOT just "another bored Mormon housewife." Furthermore, what kind of an inappropriate, bigoted description of an involved member of the community is that anyway?

Based on the comments made by Taylor's supporters in this forum, I'm more committed than every to supporting Chris Garvey, school board candidate for District B.
By eurk1875

10/20/08 at 2:54 p.m.

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I completely agree with GuestOfUK., LINDA YOUNG is by far the most qualified candidate for district C. She is not only a very dynamic community leader who is (diplomatically) fearless when ( successfully) fighing for her community's rights, but has also earned a coveted place in CCSD's Hall of Fame for accomplishments, presumably well beyond her opponent's.

While Mr Matthew may be an extraordinary principal, Linda's experiences extend beyond a principal of a single building to a person of undeniable integrity and experience who has innovated positive changes to thousands of our students throughout the ENTIRE district. May I suggest you compare websites for district C's seat and then vote. Neither paper's choices should be blindly trusted without some personal research!