School Board extends Rulffes’ contract

The Clark County School Board was criticized Wednesday for leaving a "lame duck" in charge of a beleaguered school system after it extended Superintendent Walt Rulffes' contract to Jan. 4.

"I don't know how we can be happy with what we have," said Stephen Augspurger, the executive director of the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-Technical Employees. "I think we've had way too much controversy. I think we have frequently too many poor results. ... Right now, we have a leadership problem."

Augspurger cited a high dropout rate, poor test scores, contentious labor relations, failing schools in minority neighborhoods and employee morale that is "at the worst point ever."

School Board member Sheila Moulton gave a point-by-point rebuttal, contending that many issues, such as labor unhappiness, were the result of the tough economy.

While acknowledging the district's academic "challenges," Moulton said the district was showing progress and praised Rulffes for having the courage to confront controversy.

Rulffes, 70, has been at the helm of the nation's fifth-largest school district for five years.

Moulton and other board members portrayed Rulffes' offer to stay until January as an act of selflessness, noting that Rulffes is voluntarily taking a 20 percent pay cut, which will be based on an annual salary of $307,632.

Rulffes would only be paid a portion of the six-month contract extension if the board finds his successor before January. His contract extension includes a 30-day notice that allows Rulffes or the board to terminate the contract at will.

The firm of McPherson & Jacobson, hired by the district to coordinate the search for a new superintendent, has received 10 applications for the post. Some candidates have indicated they could start before the new year, said School Board President Terri Janison, who is the board's liaison with the Nebraska-based firm.

In a 5-1 vote, the board approved the extension.

School Board member Linda Young was the only nay vote and Janison abstained. Young said the district still suffers from a perception of inequality but added that she has Rulffes' pledge to work on the issues. Janison abstained because Jim Rogers, former chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, is a candidate for the superintendent's job. Rogers also owns the television station where Janison's husband, Kevin Janison, works as a weatherman.

Rogers offered to be superintendent without pay on either an interim or more permanent basis. He could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.

Andres Mendoza, who has collected 7,000 signatures in support of Rogers, said the board is foolish not to accept Rogers' offer. Rogers would save the district money and also help prepare the district for the 2011 legislative.

Kevinn Donovan, a parent and a candidate for the state Assembly, blasted the board for its lack of transparency by voting on the contract at a Wednesday morning meeting instead of at a regular Thursday night meeting that would have been more heavily attended.

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