Clark County School District Serves More Than 300,000 Students With 336 Schools
The Clark County School District operates as the fifth-largest school division in the United States, managing an annual budget of $5.2 billion across 336 schools, Las Vegas Sun News reported. The district serves a student population exceeding 300,000 children alongside 35,000 employees. As one of the fastest-growing educational systems in the country, the district absorbs thousands of new students every year.
Elected Board of Trustees Guides Superintendent Operations
A seven-member board of trustees governs district policy, budgets, and operational oversight, meeting twice a month at the Edward A. Greer Education Center on Flamingo Road. Voters elect each trustee to a four-year term during general elections to represent specific geographic regions and local educators. Superintendent Walt Rulffes serves as the district chief executive officer, executing policies established by the board. Rulffes previously worked as the district chief financial officer for eight years prior to his appointment by the board of trustees in 2006, according to Las Vegas Sun News.
Student Spending Rises While Dropout Rates Increase
County schools spent an average of $6,827 on each student during the 2007-2008 academic term, reflecting a $405 increase per pupil compared to the prior year. Despite this funding, district dropout rates remain a central challenge for administrators. The student dropout rate rose from 5.6 percent in the 2006-2007 school year to 6 percent in 2007-2008, sitting four percentage points below the state average. Meanwhile, the district graduation rate stands at 63.8 percent.
Clark County School District Meets Annual Yearly Progress
Clark County School District achieved a notable benchmark during the 2007-2008 academic year as the only school division among the nation’s 10 largest to make Annual Yearly Progress, Las Vegas Sun News reported. Exactly 216 district schools met AYP standards, marking an increase of 33 schools from the previous year. State officials designated two institutions—John Miller and Walker International elementary schools—as exemplary, while 17 other facilities received high-achieving status.
Administrators divide the massive district into seven distinct regions. Five regions cover geographic boundaries in the east, northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest, while the remaining two divisions manage superintendent schools and education services. The education services division oversees roughly 40 non-traditional facilities catering to at-risk populations, including continuation schools, behavior programs, adult education, and instruction for incarcerated youth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clark County Schools
How many regional divisions manage Clark County schools?
The district operates across seven specific regions, divided into five geographic zones alongside two specialized administrative divisions for superintendent-designated and education services programs, Las Vegas Sun News reported.
What was the total operating budget reported for the district?
The Clark County School District operates with an annual budget of $5.2 billion to support its 336 schools and 35,000 employees.
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