Bus reflects on year’s ride

Interim Superintendent Bus Scharmann was praised for his work Thursday night during the Churchill County School District Board of Trustees’ regularly scheduled meeting.

Scharmann was appointed interim superintendent on July 18, 2012, succeeding Dr. Carolyn Ross, who resigned in late June. From the start, the retired Western Nevada College administrator emphasized his goal was to “right the ship” while at the same time allowing trustees time to find the best superintendent for the district.

Dr. Sandra Sheldon is due to start work as the new superintendent on July 8.

“I want to relax the environment,” Scharmann said in the summer of 2012. “The ship wasn’t sinking ... I just wanted to tweak it.”

Ron Evans, who was elected to the school board in November and now serves as its president, said Scharmann was successful in his mission.

“Bus came in at a very difficult time, but he changed the atmosphere to one where people were important and relationships were important,” said Ron Evans, school board president. “And that just really helped people understand where our true direction is, which is kids.

“He made difficult decisions, and I didn’t always agree with him, but I supported what he had to say. We’re going to miss him; he’s a wonderful person and a great member of this community.”

Scharmann, who was also voted in as a county commissioner in November, took time to thank his staff for their efforts in assisting him this past year. He went on to explain, however, that the most enjoyable part about his job was being involved with the district’s students.

“I just want to let you know in the 37 years of my professional life, this has been the most rewarding year of my entire life,” he said. “I just really appreciate everybody for their support and assistance. And the board, I know what you’re going through because I’m on one now, but the county commissioners is different from the school district. You’re dealing with the kids’ lives. We’ve disagreed at times, but we’ve agreed most of the time, and there have been some tough things you’ve had to do this year, and I really appreciate your hard work and your community service.”