LAS VEGAS -- In a matter of days, the Clark County School District will have a new leader. But before Superintendent Walt Rulffes leaves, he shares his regrets and wishes for the man taking on his role.
Dr. Rulffes talked to the media for the last time as superintendent for CCSD and says the road ahead for incoming superintendent Dwight Jones will not be easy. He says the biggest challenge his successor will face will be to find a way for the legislature to fund public education.
Dr. Rulffes also shared what one of his regrets was while leading the district. "I wish we could have done more for increasing graduation in reducing dropouts. I wanted to get a gifted school up and running but wasn't able to because of lack of resources," he said.
Dr. Rulffes says one of his proudest accomplishments were the empowerment schools that were established under his leadership and the building of five technical academies throughout the district.
He's also said incoming superintendent Dwight Jones has "a rough trip" ahead of him, and it is important he starts to network and meet key community leaders and businesses that will help in the efforts to reduce any possible cuts in education.
Clark County Education Association President Ruben Murrillo says overall, Dr. Rulffes did a lot for teachers in the district.
"For teachers, we are very satisfied with what has happened with Dr. Rulffes and the support he's given teachers. If anything I wish that could have been done differently, find a way for the legislature to fund public education. To find the money necessary that we don't have to cut programs that impact the dropout rate," he said.
Overall, Murrillo says the union gives Dr. Rulffes a B+.
Dr. Rulffes says incoming Jones does have a good deal of experience with legislation and he thinks he'll put that too good use in dealing with the current financial issues in trying to convince the legislature that public education is not the place to be making cuts.
