The Clark County School Board has decided to advance three candidates in its search for a new superintendent for the fifth-largest school district in the U.S. Jesse Welsh, Ben Shuldiner, and Jhone Ebert will move forward to a community forum on March 10, followed by board interviews on March 11. John Anzalone, despite previous public support, was not selected to advance due to concerns about his experience with large districts.
The search for a new leader follows the resignation of former Superintendent Jesus Jara in February 2024. Interim Superintendent Brenda Larsen-Mitchell had announced she would not seek the permanent position. The board had initially narrowed down a pool of over 40 applicants to the four candidates interviewed this week.
During their presentations, Shuldiner and Ebert emphasized their past achievements and visions for CCSD. Shuldiner highlighted improvements he made in the Lansing School District, including universal pre-K and better graduation rates. He stressed the need for a detailed understanding of the district’s budget and expressed his commitment to working with unions.
Ebert, the Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction, focused on her ability to drive large-scale changes and balance empowerment with accountability. She has a track record of holding CCSD accountable for budget issues and expressed a commitment to creating a collaborative vision for the district.
The board’s decision comes amid a challenging period for the district, with local educational leaders stressing the importance of selecting a superintendent capable of navigating federal-level challenges.