Local NewsRaising The Bar

Actions

New trustee details vision for Clark County School District

Danielle Ford is one of two new faces on board
New trustee details vision for Clark County School District
New trustee details vision for Clark County School District
New trustee details vision for Clark County School District
New trustee details vision for Clark County School District
Posted at 8:53 PM, Jan 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-08 01:17:50-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Two new faces took the oath of office before joining the Clark County School District Board of Trustees Monday evening.

Irene Cepeda and Danielle Ford took their seats as family members filled the audience.

Linda Cavazos returned to the seat she has held since being appointed to finish the term of Erin Cranor.

13 Action News sat down with Ford to talk about her goals for her term shortly before she joined the board.

"Going into this legislative session I want to get parents involved. A lot of fo people want to help but don't know what to do," Ford said. "Marketing to parents how they can get involved and be a voice is important."

While Ford plans to use her social media expertise to help push for that extra funding but says she realizes there are likely places in the district's budget where they can find extra money as well.

"I really have a lot of questions like is that really the cost of things. So I intend to ask a lot of questions going forward," Ford said.

The single mother of two says when it comes to safety, the district needs to earmark money in the budget.

"Changing the formula so principals aren't making decisions between firing a teacher and getting a gate for their schools," Ford said.

She also says pushing students to college isn't her priority.

She says she wants to foster programs at schools that offer students who don't have college plans the opportunity to be successful with just a high school diploma.

"That is really the vision I have is real-world skills and teaching things that will be practical to real life," Ford said.

During her term as trustee, Ford said she knows people will not agree with every decision she makes.

"I hope to be able to explain any decisions I make that may be unpopular to them and back it up with logic and facts," Ford said.

While academics are important to Ford, the new trustee says she also wants to make emotional and mental health a priority for Clark County students.

What is Raising The Bar?

Together with parents, educators, business and community leaders, 13 Action News will lead the discussion on improving education in Southern Nevada. We will connect families with solutions that empower our community to build a foundation for a successful future. If you have a story idea, email us at raisingthebar@ktnv.com.

HOW TO WATCH