School chief gets 'superior' evaluation

Richard Stokes is doing a "superior" job as superintendent of the Carson City School District, according to the evaluation adopted by the school board Tuesday evening.

"In Mr. Stokes we have someone who has shown very little self-interest," said Steve Reynolds, clerk of the Carson City School Board. "It's a real pleasure to see that. No matter who wants a piece of his time, Richard makes the time for them. He's not above anyone or anything."

The review was prepared by Reynolds and vice president Joanna Wilson, at the direction of board president Norm Scoggin.

The two interviewed Stokes as well as every principal at each school in the district.

Scoggin said he was pleased with the review, citing voter approval of this year's school bond as well as the financial stability of the district.

"I think it really reflects the feeling of the board and the community and accurately reflects the leadership of the district," he said. "With the leadership of Mr. Stokes, we are in an enviable state. This really is a testament to a conservative governance."

This is the second evaluation for Stokes, who took over as superintendent in July 2008. Last year, trustees deemed his performance as "very satisfactory, bordering on superior."

Stokes gave a "hats off" to the board as well as school staff and thanked them for the positive evaluation.

"Thanks so much for your vote of confidence," he said. "I hope they say that nice of things of me at my funeral."

Reynolds said his one criticism would be the district's communication with the public.

"We owe the public more communication," Reynolds said. "It's tough, but I think as we move forward we could be better in this."

Improving communication was one of six goals the board set forth for Stokes in the coming year.

"There are some things I've learned in the past three years in this particular aspect," Stokes said. "This is the one I probably struggle with the most, but the one I feel like I've made the most strides with."

Other goals included increasing graduation rates, maintaining fiscal solvency, maintaining and improving buildings and grounds, and attracting and retaining quality staff.

"I'm certainly willing to put my shoulder to the wheel, as it were, and get these things accomplished," Stokes said.