Steve Sisolak endorsed by Clark County teachers union

The Clark County School District teachers union has endorsed Democrat Steve Sisolak for Nevada governor.

The Clark County Education Association announced the endorsement Thursday, praising the county commission chairman for his “fierce commitment to resolve public education issues.”

“Through his time in public service positions both as a County Commissioner and serving on the Board of Regents, Sisolak has become well-versed on the issues the Clark County School District is confronted with and is prepared to meet those challenges face on,” CCEA spokeswoman Christina Cober wrote in a statement.

Sisolak spent 10 years on the Nevada Board of Regents, which governs the state’s higher education system. He wrote in a statement that he and CCEA share an equal commitment to support schools, teachers and students.

“I believe that recruiting and retaining world-class teachers is the key to building the best education system we can for our kids,” Sisolak wrote.

The CCEA chose Sisolak over former union president Chris Giunchigliani, also a Democrat running for governor.

Giunchigliani was CCEA president from 1983 through 1987 and was president of CCEA’s parent organization, the Nevada State Education Association, from 1987 through 1991. Giunchigliani’s campaign manager, Eric Hyers, wrote in a statement that the candidate had nearly 30 years experience as a public school teacher and regularly hears from local teachers, students and parents.

“She’s proud to have their support and the support of Nevadans across the state,” Hyers wrote.

Cober told the Review-Journal that union representatives met with both candidates before endorsing.

“Based on the conversations and Sisolak’s proven ability to bring parties together to drive real results and get the job done, the endorsement choice was clear,” Cober said. “His strategic vision aligns with CCEA’s objective in making progress for the 18,000 educators we currently represent, and we are excited about the possibility of him becoming Nevada’s next Governor.”

Nevada State Education Association President Ruben Murillo said his union’s board of directors will interview Nevada’s gubernatorial candidates at the board’s Jan. 20 meeting. He expects an endorsement to be decided that day.

“We represent 24,000 educators in Nevada, so our endorsement will carry that weight and statewide support,” he said.

Contact Michael Scott Davidson at sdavidson@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861. Follow @davidsonlvrj on Twitter.