Board may bar school workers

The Clark County School Board today will consider a new policy requiring school district employees to quit their jobs if they are elected to the board.

Dual service would be "an unacceptable conflict of interest" and a "violation of the separation of powers doctrine" according to the proposal.

Conflict of interest became an issue in the last election when Ron Taylor, a computer teacher at Leavitt Middle School, vowed to continue teaching if elected to the School Board.

Taylor said the issue had no merit since teachers don't negotiate their own contracts. The Clark County Education Association does that.

Taylor, who lost his race, said he would have recused himself from voting on labor contracts. He argued the proposed amendment is unconstitutional under Nevada law, since it would preclude teachers from running for office.

"You can't expect them to give up their livelihood."

In Nevada, local and state politicians are supposed to be "citizen lawmakers" who don't earn their living from politics, Taylor argued.

He believes the district prefers candidates with no professional backgrounds in education because they can be manipulated by administrators.

Taylor would like to see the policy amended so School Board candidates must at least have bachelors degrees. "Show the public that education means something to you."

Two newly elected board members, Deanna Wright and Chris Garvey, don't have four-year college degrees.

Garvey, a dental hygienist, beat Taylor.

Wright, a homemaker, defeated Edward Goldman, who is the district's associate superintendent for educational services.

Linda E. Young, another newly elected School Board member, quit her position as director for diversity education for the Clark County School District on Dec. 31.

She defeated retired principal Ronan Matthew.

Terri Janison was re-elected after defeating John Schutt, a Las Vegas police officer.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-799-2922.