Reflecting on her initial tenure, Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert recently reported to the School Board of Trustees about her first 100 days in office, where she outlined the progress made and the strategies for future advancement within the nation's fifth-largest school district. According to News 3 LV, Ebert's review addressed a multifaceted blueprint with four main priorities: re-engaging staff enthusiasm, streamlining communication between staff, students, and parents, enhancing engagement, and fostering trust within the district.
"We are a large system, it's a great system, but we are not perfect," Ebert said in the meeting. She recognized the imperative of transparency and active listening as foundational steps for regaining confidence among the district's stakeholders. "Making sure the listening component accepting what because people have lived experiences that I may not have had, you might not have had, you know? Other team members, but to listen to every single one of our constituents as we are moving forward, we do need to have a structure in place, guardrails in those pieces." As reported by News 3 LV, Ebert also highlighted the significance of addressing educational proficiency, particularly in mathematics and college workforce readiness programs.
Concurrently, 8 News Now shared insights into the positive feedback received by Ebert for her efforts during the 100-day review, which included a successful teacher union contract negotiation and a strategic media initiative. "I’ve heard from many teachers that they did not feel recognized or valued in their positions, nor did they feel empowered, and now they know that they are here to lead and do the great work with their students," Ebert said, highlighting the importance of making every educator and family feel integral to the school district's mission.
During the review, trustees expressed their approval of the changes initiated under Ebert's leadership, noting a shift in morale amongst school principals and a renewed sense of excitement for trustee visits to schools. Trustee Emily Stevens specifically lauded the launch of a district podcast aimed at featuring community voices. "I love that idea," she said, indicating her support for the digital initiative. Going beyond communications, Ebert discussed expanding pre-K resources and the forthcoming unveiling of the facilities master plan. Ebert told 8 News Now that collaboration with local government and educational departments would be key to these expansions.
With these developments, Ebert reaffirmed her commitment to listening closely to the community's needs and acknowledging both the district's strengths and areas needing improvement. "We see that data across the state, you know, we are not proficient. We are at 40 percent proficient in a specific area at a grade level that is not acceptable, and so we need to make sure that parents understand, because yes, it is district data, but the children make up the district data. So we need to be clear on where our student is proficient, where their gaps are, and hone in on those gaps," she articulated, making it clear that her focus remains firmly on the day-to-day experiences of the district’s children and their educational journey, as noted by News 3 LV.
