Split Clark County School Board taps Edwards as president

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 | 10:02 a.m.

Carolyn Edwards

Linda Young

Carolyn Edwards was re-elected as president of the Clark County School Board in a rare 4-3 vote Wednesday.

Edwards had stepped down as School Board president last school year to serve as president of the Nevada Association of School Boards. She returns to her Clark County position a month before the 2013 Legislative session begins in February.

Edwards was contested by School Board member Linda Young, who served out Edwards' term last year and became the first African-American president of nation's fifth-largest school district.

Young argued she would like to continue her presidency "to help bring in those diverse voices that have never been involved." That's important, Young said, because Clark County is a majority-minority school district.

"People of color have not been able to lead in this district," Young said, addressing her fellow board members before the vote. "I'm trying to represent a community that's very diverse. I want to stay another year to implement and complete what we've started."

Edwards replied: "My investment is about making us the best school district we can be," she said. "It's not about me, but what we can do together."

Here's how the School Board voted:

In favor of Edwards: members Erin Cranor, Edwards, Patrice Tew and Deanna Wright.

In favor of Young: members Lorraine Alderman, Chris Garvey and Young.

Young, who seemed disappointed in the outcome, declined to seek another position.

The new School Board also elected a new vice president and clerk. Alderman was unanimously elected vice president. Deanna Wright was unanimously elected clerk.