LAS VEGAS -- Tears permeated the Wednesday morning school board meeting as Clark County School District Superintendent Dwight Jones made his resignation official.
"This community has and always will have a special place in my heart. My family needs me now and I have a duty to respond," Jones said, as he choked up.
Jones said he must leave his job to take care of his ill mother who lives in Texas. He sent a letter to all district employees Tuesday night announcing his resignation. He said it was a very difficult decision but his first obligation is to his family.
His announcement comes as the fifth-largest school district in the country faces many challenges. Jones was two years into a four-year contract. When hired, he promised major reforms. He said, he never intended to break his contract.
"I want to make it clear I am not leaving because of anything to do with the challenging and worthwhile work," he said.
His work included launching the state's first school ranking system to award high-performing campuses and give more support to low-performing schools. He also launched the "Reclaim Your Future" initiative, where school administrators went door to door to get dropouts back in school.
According to a recent report from the Department of Education, Nevada graduation rates are still dead last in the country. During his tenure, he battled the teachers union over salaries and was unable to get voters to approve a tax initiative that would have paid for school repairs and maintenance. Jones admits there's still much left to be done
"Ultimately we have to put more teachers in the classroom, the budget problem led to decisions to cut teachers and class sizes are up way too high," he said.
"I am concerned that we have lost a momentum in the district with the shift," said Deanna Wright, a school board member.
Jones was hired after a nationwide search for a school superintendent. Wright said the board now faces a big challenge to find a new leader who can push school reforms forward.
Jones said, improving education is not a one-person job. He thanked the community for its support.
"The community stepped up in so many amazing ways and that makes me optimistic that work can continue."
His last day will be March 22. Deputy Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky will be acting superintendent, in the meantime. A nationwide search for a new superintendent is set to begin as soon as possible.
Dwight Jones discusses why he is resigning as superintendent at a morning news conference.
