LAS VEGAS -- Education cuts are almost certain as the legislature convenes in a few weeks. But the new Clark County School District superintendent wants to make sure your child's education is protected and is asking parents and the community to step up.
Superintendent Dwight Jones says he wants to work with Governor Brian Sandoval on education reform. But he also wants to make sure the governor knows the dangers of making cuts to schools.
Jones is trying to create a clear vision on where the school district needs to go, and he is asking parents for their input and support.
Read the Superintendent Jones' Suggestions
"I think the best way is for us to get a lot more transparent about what we need from the community and what our plan is -- having a shared vision from the community about what we want kids to be able to do. I think that gets driven by the community," he said.
Jones spoke to dozens of parents and community members Wednesday morning at Bonanza High School and mentioned some ideas he has for the district.
First, rather than just focus on student scores and state assessment, he wants to have data on each student that takes into account where a student starts and then tracks how much they grow.
He would also like to develop an online resource that will give parents and the rest of the community a chance to compare each school's performance. He believes this will open up the lines of communication among educators.
Parents say they are excited about the new superintendent, but understand that now more than ever they have to take an active role.
"If we have more parents that step up and get involved and make that happen, that's one way to get these curriculums into the schools because there is no money out there," said Wendy Sadler, PTA president of Steven Schor Elementary.
The school district is also making a bigger push to get these parents involved. At the meeting, they went over the Nevada legislative website, showing parents how to follow legislative session and how to email state leaders. Trustees and other district employees urged parents to speak up.
Even though the energy among parents is at a high, many say they are still very scared. The district could possibly have to cut around $180 million, so Superintendent Jones says they are going to have to look at what their priorities need to be.
