SVVSD’s Haddad not selected for Nevada superintendent position

Last month, St. Vrain Valley School District superintendent Don Haddad was announced as one of four finalists for Clark County School District’s (CCSD) search for a new superintendent.  CCSD serves over 75 percent of the students in the state of Nevada, including the Las Vegas area. CCSD’s school board’s selection was originally expected to be announced April 19.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, immediately following the announcement of the final candidates, the school board trustees balked at the absence of nominees from within the district.

Scheduled community meetings and formal interviews with the finalists were cancelled while the school board deliberated about including an internal candidate.  Hopes were expressed by some that the replacement for retiring Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky would be familiar with the school district and its unique qualities.

After reviewing internal and previous district employee applicants, Mike Barton, CCSD’s chief academic officer, was added to the list of finalists. Interviews and community meetings took place April 27and 28.

CCSD has been in the the midst of a financial crisis and controversy over a $60 million budget deficit. Throughout the superintendent search, the community and school district officials had a very contentious time. The final vote on May 2 resulted in a 4-2 vote (with one member abstaining) by CCSD’s board, signaling the approval to offer the job to Dr. Jesus Jara, the deputy district superintendent of Monroe County Public Schools covering the Orlando, Florida area.