The union representing Clark County school administrators blasted Superintendent Jesus Jara today over his role in a budgeting dustup in the state Legislature.
The union sent a letter to Jara calling him “foolish” for denying he pushed legislation to let the School District sweep up unspent money from individual schools to cover budget shortfalls. The letter was copied to the School Board and other administrators.
“You have further revealed what many already know: that you are selfish, ego-centric and without moral code or compass,” said the letter from Stephen Augspurger, executive director of the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-Technical Employees.
State officials said the bill was brought forward at the request of the School District, though Jara on Monday denied he had recommended it.
During an Assembly hearing on the bill Saturday, Jara called in during a public comment period and said he didn’t think it should advance.
Jara’s actions drew swift rebuke in Carson City, with Gov. Steve Sisolak saying “Clark County students, staff and families deserve better.”
“I cannot sit back and remain silent as Superintendent Jara tries to wrongfully place blame rather than taking responsibility for his actions. Enough is enough,” Sisolak said in a statement.
Augspurger said today that Jara had lost credibility at the state Legislature. “At this point, he has really rendered himself useless,” he said.
The Clark County Education Association, which represents teachers, also weighed in, saying the fight had nothing to do with eduction or the students.
In a statement, it said the administrators union has been focused on “removing the superintendent — as if that would resolve all of the problems we are facing right now. We disagree. This is a distraction driven by a political agenda. CCEA will have no part of it.”
Jara, in a statement, said: “I regret that the discussion on Monday deterred the conversation away from education. I am sure we can collectively agree, it's time to redirect our focus to the 320,000 students we serve in the Clark County School District. But I want to be clear that I want to work hand in hand with our state leaders to find the right solutions for maintaining fiscal responsibility while at the same time giving our children and their families what they need to be success