Rogers out of running for school superintendent

Jim Rogers, former chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, is out of the running for superintendent of the Clark County School District.

The search firm of McPherson & Jacobson told Rogers on Tuesday that "three sitting superintendents" were chosen finalists to interview for the job held by Walt Rulffes, who is retiring.

The finalists' names are scheduled to be announced at a 3 p.m. press conference on Thursday, before the regular Clark County School Board meeting. They are expected to interview with the School Board next week.

Rogers did not get any indication that he might be called back if the three finalists are judged to be unsuitable for the job.

"I never thought I would get close. My purpose in applying was because these 7,000 Hispanics came and asked me to," he said, referring to a petition drive by a group called "No Parent Left Behind."

"I was honored and pleased that they asked me, and I seriously made the application. It wasn't simply a lark. If I got the job, I would have worked at it as hard as anything I've done in my life.

"To an extent, it's relief. I did what I said I would do."

Rogers said the search firm interviewed him about a week ago. He said he was frank in his criticism that the district needs to do a better job of communicating with the public and showing leadership.

Applications closed for the superintendents' job on Sept. 1. Tom Jacobson, of McPherson & Jacobson, based in Omaha, Neb., said they had 49 applicants from 20 states, Mexico and Canada.

A source familiar with the search said the firm interviewed about 30 of the applicants for the position.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.