Northeast region administrator to lead Agassi school

Clark County School District Northeast Region Superintendent Marsha Irvin has been hired as the new chancellor for the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, starting Jan. 14.

Irvin called it an "exciting opportunity" to go a charter school with smaller classes and more resources than a regular public school. She said she looks forward to working with former tennis star and school founder Andre Agassi in fulfilling his vision of helping students attain high achievement.

The K-12 charter school on West Lake Mead Boulevard near Martin Luther King Boulevard serves 581 students. The school opened in 2001. Its first senior class will graduate in the spring.

Nevada charter schools receive state funding based on enrollment and operate as public schools. They are managed by private groups that can supplement state funding with private donations.

The Agassi school is supported by the tennis star's educational foundation. It limits class size to 25 students per teacher. Class sizes in the district are often much larger.

As a high-level administrator with the district, Irvin said, she "was not seeking employment elsewhere" nor was she "fearful for my position" because of the state's economic turmoil.

District officials have discussed eliminating one of its five regions, or administrative areas, as a way to make up for a $120 million reduction in next year's budget. As the lead administrator in the Northeast Region, Irvin oversees 51 public schools. She has worked in the district for 26 years

Irvin said the Agassi school recruited her to fill a vacancy. She will succeed Jerome Meyers, who resigned in October to return to his home state of New York, said Julie Krell, an Agassi spokeswoman. Meyers was the school's chief operating officer but the position has since been redefined as "chancellor."

Agassi's three principals will report to Irvin. The school did not disclose her salary, and Irvin declined to discuss her contract.

Last year, Agassi's high school failed to make adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Irvin said she will look at increasing academic rigor in the classroom.

Known as an innovator, Irvin has introduced new programs in district schools, such as same-gender classes and Mandarin Chinese instruction for elementary school students.

District Superintendent Walt Rulffes could not be reached for comment on who will replace Irvin. In a statement released by the Agassi school, Rulffes said: "We are disappointed that her career path is taking her in a new direction, but not surprised since her leadership and performance has been recognized by many outside the district."

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