LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The search is on for a new Clark County School District superintendent.
School board trustees met for hours on Thursday to discuss superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara’s resignation and in a 5-2 vote, approved his request. Despite public opposition, Jara will walk away with $250,000 which is equivalent to six-months salary. Jara was not at the meeting as he was voted out.
Jara’s last day with the district will be Friday.
In the meantime, Jara’s second in command, Dr. Brenda Larsen Mitchell, will be serving as the interim superintendent.
Trustees voted her in on Thursday despite concerns from some members of the Clark County Education Association, who believe that having her in that role would be a continuation of many of the same issues.
The district's chief financial officer, Jason Goudie, was also considered for the position.
How did we get here?
Dr. Jesus Jara has been the superintendent of the Clark County School District since 2018.
Channel 13 has covered the ups and downs. In 2021, the Board of Trustees decided to fire the superintendent.
"They had one agenda and it was to get rid of Superintendent Jara," CCSD Trustee Katie Williams previously told Channel 13.
It was only a month later they decided to keep him in his position.
Then, in October of 2022, the board extended his contract through June of 2026. His new salary was $395,000 a year.
Then, in 2023, the heated teacher salary negotiations between the district and teachers union gained a lot of attention. Many teachers were upset with Jara, even confronting him with demonstrations at events.
Some teachers decided to protest at his home as well.
RELATED LINK: Silent protest held by teachers union members at CCSD Superintendent's home
"Since he has made it personal, I am going to make it personal too," a teacher told Channel 13 at the time.
The negotiations took over half a year, delaying salary increases for teachers. After an agreement was reached, at the end of January 2024, he submitted a resignation letter.
Parents like Natalie Wainwright are curious to see what is next if Jara is out.
"Tonight is going to be an interesting thing to listen to," Wainwright said. "It is hard to be too hard on Jara. I can't put myself in his shoes. It is a big job but I can tell you I have not been too impressed. As a parent, I am looking [forward] to a change."
"What are you hoping happens if someone else comes in to that seat," I asked her.
"To be specific, I want them to work," Wainwright said. "I want the new superintendent to work with the board."
Parent Brian Almero also weighed in.
"CCSD, I know we are still ranked one of the lowest in the nation."
He said there haven't been improvements since Jara took the position. Almero said he wants to see the district, as a whole, improve soon since his kids are still in elementary school.
"If he does leave that position what sort of Superintendent would you like to see," I asked Almero.
"Something more. Whoever is the replacement, someone more active working with the board and the teachers rather than in conflict," Almero said. "Every time I hear his name, it is in conflict."
