Now that the Clark County School District has selected a new superintendent, what are some of the challenges will he face when he takes over the position in June?
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Jesus Jara was selected Wednesday for the superintendent position. He is currently deputy superintendent of Orange County (Florida) Public Schools.
Reorganization
Back in September 2016, reorganization of the district was approved and it's been an ongoing process ever since. Reorganization, which will split up the district, was mandated with Nevada Assembly Bill 469, and took effect for the 2017-18 school year. So far, not much has changed.
Overall education rankings
Nevada has ranked near or at the bottom in the number of surveys looking at states and education. Education Week's report in January ranked Nevada 51st out of all the states and the District of Columbia.
Budget
Much of fall 2017 was focused on budget issues for the district. It wasn't until December that the board was finally able to balance the budget, which had a deficit of $60 million at one point.
In order to balance the budget, trustees shaved off millions of dollars in spending and cut filled and vacant positions.
Teacher salaries
Teachers have asked for an increase to their salaries but the district says they can't afford to give raises unless the state of Nevada increases funding for schools.
RELATED: Teachers rally for better pay outside CCSD Board of Trustees meeting
A CCSD spokesperson saying a two percent raise for all employees would cost $40 million.
New labor union
While some teachers remain part of the Clark County Education Association, other teachers recently joined the newly formed National Education Association of Nevada.
Gender diverse policy
The Board of Trustees voted in March to draft a gender diverse policy required by Nevada law. The policy, designed to protect transgender students, has been a source of controversy for months and is likely to continue to be while it is being drafted.
