Superintendent candidate Jesse Welsh outlines plans for CCSD's cultural and community engagement

The search for a new superintendent for the Clark County School District (CCSD) took a significant step forward during a community forum held at Rancho High School on March 10, 2025. Candidates presented their visions for the district, addressing pressing issues such as budget management, data integrity, and cultural representation in leadership.

One of the standout moments came when a candidate discussed the importance of piloting new initiatives before a full rollout. They emphasized the need to test systems in a smaller group—citing a successful transition from an outdated system to Google tools across 250 schools in just weeks. This approach aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother implementation for all schools.

Budget concerns were also a hot topic. The candidate highlighted the need to reassess central office expenditures, suggesting that as student enrollment declines, the support structures at the central level should also be adjusted. "We need to find a way to do things more efficiently," they stated, indicating a commitment to reducing wasteful spending while protecting resources for students and teachers.

Addressing the issue of graduation rates, the candidate assured attendees that the metrics used are strictly regulated, leaving little room for manipulation. They acknowledged the challenges schools face in supporting students, particularly those needing credit recovery, and stressed the importance of maintaining curriculum integrity.

Cultural representation within school leadership was another critical point of discussion. The candidate proposed that increasing the diversity of teachers would naturally lead to a more representative leadership pipeline. They committed to examining current selection processes for leadership roles to eliminate barriers that may hinder diverse candidates from advancing.

Mental health support for students was also a priority, with the candidate advocating for tiered support systems to ensure that all students receive the help they need. They mentioned existing programs like Hazel Health, which provide essential services at the school level.

As the forum concluded, the candidate expressed enthusiasm for the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of community alignment and collaboration to achieve educational success. "If we can align ourselves together through a plan, we’re unstoppable," they declared, leaving attendees with a sense of hope for the future of CCSD.