Stokes appointed to state education board

Richard Stokes, superintendent of the Carson City School District, was appointed to the State Board of Education, Gov. Brian Sandoval announced.The appointment took effect Tuesday.“Today’s appointments are the next steps in reforming the governance of K-12 education in our state, a process I began during the 2011 Legislative session,” Sandoval said in a press release. “Working to deliver the best education to our state’s children must be our highest priority.”Stokes, who also serves as president of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, will serve as a non-voting member, along with Thad Ballard and Kevin Melcher, from Elko, and Kamryn Mock of Clark County.“While I don’t have a voting role, I will have the opportunity to share the perspective of the schools,” Stokes said. “The ‘boots on the ground’ perspective when it comes to talking about K-12 education. It will give me the opportunity to share the everyday operational components with folks who may not know.”Sandoval also appointed Stavan Corbett of Clark County and Freeman Holbrook of Washoe County as voting members of the board. Sandoval previously announced he had appointed Elaine Wynn to the Board.The board also includes four members elected by the general public who are Alexis Gonzales-Black, Dave Cook, Allison Serafin and Mark Newburn.Stokes said he looks forward to working with the board in the reorganized structure.“It’s an honor,” he said. “I appreciate the confidence that’s been placed in me for this role.”State Superintendent James W. Guthrie said he is eager to work with the reorganized board.“I am honored to work with such a team of widely experienced and committed individuals. I am confident that the State Board is now poised to provide Nevada's schools with the bold vision they need and the high quality instruction students deserve,” he said in a prepared statement.Conrad named school board presidentAt its first meeting of the year, the Carson City School Board elected new officers Tuesday. Lynette Conrad, the former vice president, was elected president, replacing Steve Reynolds, who served in the position last year. Stacie Wilke, former clerk, is now the vice president and Ron Swirczek will serve this year as the board’s clerk.