CCSD contract extensions agenda

Clark County School Board member Linda Young has asked the School Board at its next regular meeting on March 25 to reconsider the contract extensions approved for five executive staff members.

Young said the perception that preferential treatment was given to the Clark County School District's most highly paid staff during an economic crisis has hurt both employee morale and the district's credibility with the public.

"There's a lot of hurt out there and anger," Young said during a meeting Thursday. "We have to bring this all out to the table and make it transparent."

Young acknowledged not knowing all of the facts when she approved the contracts on Oct. 7.

"I'm a new a board member," she said. "I'm learning."

Critics contend the two-year contract extensions approved for Charlene Green, deputy superintendent for support services; Bill Hoffman, district general counsel; Lauren Kohut-Rost, deputy superintendent for instruction; Martha Tittle, chief human resources officer; and Jeff Weiler, chief financial officer; made a mockery out of Superintendent Walt Rulffes' call for "shared sacrifice" from all employees during a time of economic crisis.

An analysis by the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-technical Employees said the new benefits and perks approved for the five top staffers are worth more than $100,000.

Rulffes has contended that the administrators union has raised the issue to strengthen its own bargaining position.

School Board President Terri Janison on Thursday said she was "not in favor" of Young's motion, but board counsel Mark Wood of the Clark County district attorney's office said Young had the authority to put her request on the next board agenda.

Wood's clarification drew applause from the audience, but no one else on the School Board voiced support for Young's request.

School Board members Deanna Wright and Carolyn Edwards wondered whether the contract discussion should be public or private, but the board did not reach a conclusion.

By JAMES HAUG/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL