Past Presidents of Record

A Few Comments from Past Presidents

Dr. Robert Whittemore, 1986-87

I truly enjoyed my association with NASB. The Presidency and recognition were much appreciated. I particularly enjoyed NASB support when I was elected to the National School Board Association Board of Directors. All of this would not have taken place had it not been for the untiring efforts and warm friendship of Hank Etchemendy. His brilliance and his uncanny ability to “work” the Nevada Legislature were reflected in the good things that happened for kids.

Lucille Lusk, 1987-88

In the last half of the decade of the 80s, the Nevada Association of School Boards became a significant force in the education debate that was beginning to take place in Nevada. Association officers and board members learned to be spokesmen, and working with excellent executive directors and with school superintendents from throughout the State, their voices began to be heard as voices with knowledge to be heeded.

Judy Yates, 1991-92

Serving as President of the Nevada Association of School Boards was a rewarding and challenging year. The collegiality and focus on educational leadership was inspiring. School boards across the State must tell Nevadans about the efforts being made to constantly improve education, and NASB must help them to get their message out. It always seems that others, not as knowledgeable, are always loudly proclaiming that public schools are not doing a good job.

Margie Broderick, 1995-96

As I recall my year as President, what remains foremost in my mind are the good memories of the other board members with whom I worked. One of the main issues that we faced during my term was the Nevada legislative study of possibly reconfiguring our State’s school districts. The Nevada Association of School Boards and school district superintendents held a meeting in Reno for the consultants conducting this study to present our views. I can’t say how much impact we had, but in the end, the basic recommendation was not to change the school district structure in Nevada.

Barbara Harnage, 1996-97

I served as a Board member and Board President in Mineral County School District from January 1982 to January 2003. During this time, I was proud to be involved with NASB. I felt that as members of NASB, we all had a common goal which was to ensure that our young people received a quality education. We worked hard getting programs implemented which enhanced the level of education given our students. We lobbied for more funding for the school districts. We begged for more teachers. Our focus was always on what we could do for our students.

Brad Arnold, 1998-99

No matter how many times people read about how “education needs to be fixed,” I know there will be someone from NASB who will lead the way for Nevada’s students. For all the debates on how to fund and when and if to fully fund education in our fine State, I know there is a group of elected officials who will stand the charge—and that is this group. I am proud to have served with you.

Ruth Johnson, 1999-2000

“The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it”. My time as president was exciting and challenging. I was well prepared by the examples and hard work of those I served with. I find it hard to separate the work that was accomplished when I was president and when I served in other positions. We all worked together. We strengthened the membership and the Association. My hope is that the Association will continue to work to strengthen its members.

Wilde Brough, 2000-01

Here come the Board elections. I was elected to Elko County School Board in November 1993 and sworn in January 1994. What a ride! It was a pleasure to be associated with school board members in this State as well as across the Nation. The dedication, courage, and sacrifice for the education of children are and were unbelievable. You’re missing out if you’re not willing to step into the stirrup and swing your leg over and go for a good ride.

Murry Whipple, 2001-02

One thing that I felt strongly about was bringing the Association together in one united force. I wanted the Legislature to understand that if they wanted answers about education or what is best for children, they needed to listen to the Association—they should ask the local school board members. After all, it is the local school board members who are most closely tied to the children and their needs. From this desire to be united as an Association, the iNVest plan was created. Each of our superintendents from around the State put the plan together with a great amount of hard work. When it was presented to the 2003 Session of the Nevada Legislature, it was a real “eye opener” on what could be accomplished when there is one voice from a united Association. Being united, we became a much stronger force to deal with, and now the Legislature realizes that they must listen to us. It is my hope that the Association will build on this premise and not return to the old idea of each school district being out for its own interest. I think that would be very devastating to our State. We must remain united to stay strong.

Anne Loring, 2002-03

This was a pivotal year for the Association—the year in which the Nevada Association of School Boards assumed the legislative stature it had been seeking. This success demonstrated our effectiveness when all seventeen districts work together. I attribute that success to our superb Executive Director, Randy Robison; to an outstanding group of NASB Directors from all seventeen districts; to the efforts of the superintendents and their staffs of Nevada’s school districts; and to forty years of leadership that has brought us to this point.

Joan Westover, 2003-04

NASB has progressed from a social organization to an Association that is recognized and respected. There is still plenty of work that needs to be done. We’ve come a long way but, through communication, we can shorten our journey and make better decisions for our Nevada students.

Curt Chapman, 2004-05

It was an action-packed year for NASB, and one for which I am very proud to have served as President. Externally the Association built upon the advocacy successes of the previous Legislative Session by continuing to provide a consistent voice to represent all Nevada school districts.

Less visible were considerable internal efforts to move the Association forward in terms of structure and resources, based on having a full-time executive director.  The need to reallocate a larger portion of Association revenue to the Executive Director position required we examine the significant portion that was budgeted for membership in the national organization NSBA.  There was considerable effort to craft an arrangement with NSBA leadership to allow Nevada’s continued membership with reduced or temporarily suspended dues.  The intent was to reallocate those funds to the full-time Executive Director position, grow the Association and its revenue streams, then return to regular NSBA membership when funding allowed.

Ultimately, we were unable to arrive at such an arrangement and the difficult decision was made to suspend NSBA membership until Association revenues grow and membership can be restarted.  We are well on our way to that goal, and I look forward to seeing the Association reach that next level of maturity.

Norm Scoggin, 2005-06

Being elected President of the Nevada Association of School Boards was both a great honor and a very humbling experience. NASB has made great strides since I was first elected as a school board member ten years ago. Now we are a voice to be reckoned with throughout the State and an organization to provide the leadership necessary to enhance student achievement across Nevada. We have superior leadership in both staff and elected officers.

During my term of office, I strived to bring NASB to the local boards by visiting as many local school boards as possible. My only regret was that I couldn’t visit all counties. During my visits, I found a common bond among all boards and members. All boards are similar in dedication and purpose and yet are individualistic in their approach to the task.

Sheila Moulton, 2006-07

What an honor to serve as NASB President!  Our organization has evolved into an empowering movement that is respected throughout the State for the focus we hold on providing the atmosphere for all students to meet their potential for a successful life.  This mission must be nourished and grown in the years to come to ensure that Nevada reaches its potential to educate all children.  NASB is the means to reach this ends through quality leadership and policy development with all other educational groups.

Sharla Hales, 2007-08

During my Presidency, efforts of many previous leaders come to fruition. The strategic plan spearheaded by Sheila Moulton and Ruth Johnson was adopted and a Business Plan initiated. Visits to local school board meetings, championed by Norm Scoggin, continued. Accomplishments of the Executive Director, whose employment rested on previous long-range planning, surpassed all expectations. We grappled with budget cuts: 4.5% in December, $40 million more in June. NASB’s collection and communication of the damage helped us dodge deeper cuts. We made great advances: three brochures were published (accomplishments, description of NASB, and corporate opportunities). A lease of Hawkins House office space was approved. An excellent Board President Seminar was presented by experts within our ranks. Corporate sponsorships swelled. Relationships with legislators and important others were strengthened. Connect Ed informed us of important meetings and messages. A model Code of Ethics was adopted. These exciting advances came through the combined efforts of previous leaders, current officers, and an unparalleled Executive Director. The credibility, visibility, efficiency and impact of NASB increased tremendously, bringing closer to reality our vision “where futures of all children are driven by their aspirations, not bounded by their circumstances.”

Irene Chachas, 2008-2009

Serving as NASB President was a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous honor. As President during this year, our focus was to increase leadership skills by providing appropriate training for new as well as for more experienced board members. We did this through both our Annual Conference and targeted professional development for new school board members. Respecting the time of our newest board members, we developed a 24-hour turnaround agenda that maximized instruction and networking. The Association is uniquely positioned to continue to provide targeted training for leadership development. Through on-going communication with local boards, NASB continues to discover and develop more effective practices for training and policy decision-making. NASB advocated for all seventeen school boards during the 2009 Session of the Nevada Legislature, successfully representing the shared concerns and interests of boards. Unfortunately, budget cuts continued during the year. I appreciate having the opportunity to learn about each school district and to meet many new school board members while developing strong friendships.

Jim Lemaire, 2009-2010

The first half of my term was dominated by the decision of rejoining the National School Boards Association (NSBA), punctuated by the Special Session of the Nevada Legislature.  There were meetings, phone calls, and e-mails with NSBA representatives getting them to understand Nevada's needs and helping us to understand NSBA's benefits.  There were lots of conversations and two really grueling discussions of the issues surrounding NSBA membership during joint sessions of the Directors and the Executive Committee.  My thanks go out to all the members who listened and voiced their opinions during those sessions. Having now rejoined NSBA, we are reaping the benefits available to member state associations.  The Special Session of the Nevada Legislature in 2010 was a period of frenzied activity and stress. While the enacted 6% cuts were bad, these were not as bad as the probable 10% cuts projected going in to the Special Session. NASB’s advocacy for school boards and Nevada students was particularly important during this period. The Special Session also demonstrated that NASB’s coordination of testimony and communication with legislators has a tremendous impact on policymaking.  Ever since I finished my year as President of my local board, I have believed that the experience of being President of your board makes you a better board member.  And so, being President of NASB will contribute to the value I can add in the future as a member of NASB’s Executive Committee.  

Chris Miller, 2010-2011

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This past year, school board members across the State—working hand in hand with our Executive Director—accomplished so much for Nevada‘s students. In spite of a very difficult 2011 Legislative Session, we were able to implement some important pieces of education reform, to avoid catastrophic reductions to K-12 funding, and to improve the educational climate. We are winning battles every day and succeeding with students in our districts in spite of being under attack from many sides. We need to remain vocal advocates for education whether we are contacting legislators, meeting with the public, or communicating with the press. We must be proactive as we promote the best possible learning environment for our students. We must continue to work together and focus on doing what’s right for all of Nevada’s children. Remember: “Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean."