The Clark County School Board is in for a major shakeup in January, with over half of its members set to be replaced based on initial election results from Tuesday. Trustee President Evelyn Garcia Morales is currently trailing behind challenger Tameka Henry in the race for the District C seat, with Henry holding 53.8 percent of the votes compared to Garcia Morales’ 46.2 percent.
Henry expressed her excitement about the preliminary results, highlighting the hard work put into her campaign. While acknowledging that the results are not final, she aims to maintain and expand her lead as more votes are counted. Henry emphasized the need for new leadership in response to the desires of voters, parents, and teachers for a change.
Garcia Morales, who has faced criticism during her presidency for her handling of various issues within the district, has been endorsed by the Clark County Education Association. However, other sitting Trustees and the union have thrown their support behind Henry, citing a need for a fresh perspective and effective leadership. Despite the challenges, Garcia Morales has highlighted her dedication to addressing the district’s budget deficit and other pressing matters.
In other districts within the Las Vegas Valley, new faces are also emerging in the school board race. Emily Stevens is currently leading Karl Catarata in District A, focusing on student safety and community engagement in her campaign. Stevens, a mother of two, has a background in business development and extensive involvement in education-related boards and groups.
Meanwhile, District B is witnessing an unconventional election process, with Nakia Jackson-Hale serving a short term following an appointment. Lydia Dominguez is leading Eileen Eady in the race for the seat, with a focus on parental rights and school safety. Dominguez’s commitment to prioritizing parent voices and achieving real outcomes for students has resonated with voters.
In District E, Lorena Biassotti is ahead of Kamilah Bywaters, with a strong stance against mask mandates and an anti-racism policy. Biassotti’s message of empowering parents in decision-making has garnered support from the community. Bywaters, a licensed teacher and advocate for Black educators, expressed surprise at the initial results and attributed them to the overall political climate.
The upcoming changes in the Clark County School Board reflect a growing demand for fresh leadership and a focus on student well-being. As new members prepare to take office, the community looks towards a future of positive transformation within the education system.
For more information, you can reach out to Katie Futterman at kfutterman@reviewjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @ktfutts.
