School district grows to sixth-largest in U.S.

The biggest school districts

1. New York City, 1,066,473 students.

2. Los Angeles, 681,422.

3. Chicago, 405,092.

4. Dade County (Miami), 350,603.

5. Broward County (Fort Lauderdale),Fla., 235,563.

6. Clark County, 207,169.

Source: Educational Research Service

The ever-growing Clark County School District is now the sixth-largest in the nation, up two notches from its previous ranking, according to the Educational Research Service of Arlington, Va.

"I think it's exciting to be the sixth-largest district in the U.S.," said Carlos Garcia, who started this week as superintendent. "I just heard about that, and I guess that's good news. It just means we have a lot of work to do."

Before coming to Clark County, Garcia served as superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District in California, which ranks 40th with a fall 1999 enrollment of 72,707. Garcia replaces Brian Cram, who retires at the end of this month after serving as superintendent for 11 years.

In the study, Clark County surpassed school districts in Philadelphia and Houston, which now place seventh and eighth, respectively.

Although Clark County's official student enrollment was 217,139 in the fall of 1999, the study's reporting method lists it as 207,169. The study also shows that Clark County's enrollment increased by more than 100,000 students from 1989 to 1999.

According to the Clark County School District's Demographics, Zoning and Realty Department, a 231,028 student enrollment is projected for the upcoming school year.

An aggressive building program helps support the district's growth, district spokeswoman Mary Stanley-Larsen said.

Under the 1998 voter-approved building program, at least $3.5 billion will be provided through 2008 for the construction of 88 new schools and two bus yards, additional land for schools, new technology, and improvements at existing schools.

Four new elementary schools and two new middle schools are scheduled to open in August for the 2000-2001 school year, along with mid-year openings for four new elementary schools.

Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson, said the rapid growth justifies her initiative to break up the district. Garcia and other school officials have expressed reservations about the plan.

"Every year enrollment is increasing by 12,000 to 15,000 students," Tiffany said. She pointed out that five years from now, when her plan could go into effect if it is approved by voters, the district will have grown by some 60,000 students.

Tiffany believes cutting the district into smaller pieces would lead to greater accountability and accessibility. Further, she said, it would help prevent the frequent relocation of students in high-growth areas due to the construction of new schools.

"It would help with zoning," Tiffany said. "In a smaller geographic area, you have less transfer of students. Also, in a smaller area you can set local priorities. Smaller districts have to be more accountable. People are going to get answers to their questions."

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