Kathleen Sandoval joins board of school for gifted students
CARSON CITY — Kathleen Sandoval, Nevada’s first lady, has been named to the governing board of the Davidson Academy, a free public school for profoundly gifted middle and high school students.
Sandoval’s appointment, made by Republican Assembly Speaker John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas, was announced Monday. She is one of three board members appointed by state officials.
Bob Davidson, who co-founded the academy with his wife, Jan, said the first lady will be a welcome addition to the governing board.
“Her experience and knowledge regarding young people and education will be valuable resources to help guide the Academy into the future,” he said.
Sandoval holds degrees in speech and language pathology and is a youth advocate. She is director of operations at the Children’s Cabinet, a nonprofit in Reno that focuses on children’s issues, from truancy and mental health to homelessness and family violence.
Located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the Davidson Academy was created by the state Legislature in 2005. The Davidsons in 1999 also founded the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a non-profit in Reno to help extremely gifted students.
Students at the academy must meet exceptional academic standards and score in the 99.9 percentile on accepted intelligence or achievement tests. Students are grouped in classes based on ability instead of age and frequently take advanced courses at UNR.
Other members of the academy’s governing board are Bruce James, former United States public printer; Annette Whittemore, co-founder of the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Institute; Bob Davidson; Mark Herron, president of the Davidson Group; Brian Krolicki, former Nevada lieutenant governor; and Roger Davidson.
Ex-officio members include Traci Davis, Washoe County School District superintendent; Marc Johnson, UNR president; and Steve Canavero, interim state superintendent of public instruction.
Bob Davidson is also on the Board of Regents of Nevada’s System of Higher Education. He was appointed to that post by Gov. Brian Sandoval in March to fill the vacancy created when Ron Knecht was elected state controller in last year’s election.
Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb
