The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees has made a decisive move to appoint Nakia Jackson-Hale as the interim representative for District B, following the stepping down of Trustee Katie Williams. The decision, which was made public yesterday, was voted in by a margin of 4-2, according to a report by KTNV. Williams' resignation came on the heels of an investigation that found her to be living outside of Nevada, specifically in Nebraska, violating state law that mandates trustees to reside in the community they represent.
Jackson-Hale, who is currently the Assistant Dean of Administration, Outreach, and Engagement at the UNLV School of Nursing, was one of ten candidates who applied and interviewed for the interim position. During an interview with KTNV, Jackson-Hale explained her motivation, stating, "There’s the saying that if you are not part of the solution, you are a part of the problem. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am being critical of the board or the district and I am not doing my part, so it was very important for me to get involved and kind of learn the process and also look for the opportunities where I could help."
FOX5 Vegas also covered the story, mentioning that Jackson-Hale will serve in this capacity for approximately two months, as the seat is contested in the upcoming general election. Indeed, this seat is not just a placeholder but part of the larger democratic process, with candidates Eileen Eady and Lydia Dominguez—another interviewee for the interim post—vying for the permanent position next week. Jackson-Hale will be stepping into the role under the shadow of Williams' controversial exit due to no longer being a Nevada resident, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.
In her conversation with KTNV, Jackson-Hale revealed her plans to actively engage with various communities and stakeholders, stating, "I definitely want to make sure that I am engaging with Lundy, the parents of Lundy elementary, and those constituents, as well as the rurals, I want to make sure I am hearing their voice as well." With a short tenure ahead, her focus seems to be on effective communication and meaningful participation.
