Stokes receives ‘superior’ rating

Richard Stokes, superintendent of the Carson City School District, improved from last year’s rating of “very satisfactory” to “superior” in his annual review conducted Tuesday evening by the board of trustees.

“You’re doing a great job,” said Lynnette Conrad, president of the Carson City School Board. “You’re moving us in the right direction.”

In three of the 10 categories — ethics, finances and implementing the district’s strategic plan, Empower Carson City — Stokes received unanimous superior markings from all seven school board members.

Trustee Stacie Wilke said she deemed his performance superior in the financial management category for the district’s efforts to solicit suggestions from the community to balance the budget.

“I really appreciated the town hall meetings,” she said. “I thought it showed we were open and transparent.”

In the remaining categories, Stokes received a mix of superior and very satisfactory rankings.

Board member Ron Swirczek said his only disappointment in the school district was the results of the state-mandated high school proficiency exams.

“I know you care about student success and the success of the school district,” Swirczek said. “I’m looking forward to next year. I think if you can fix the issue with the proficiencies, you’re in line for superiors all the way across.”

Stokes improved the most in communicating with staff and community members.

“In the past, this was an area we thought there was room for improvement,” Conrad said. “Richard’s done a really good job out in the public compared to where he used to be.”

Trustee Steve Reynolds said the review reflected not only the work of the superintendent but of the entire district.

Stokes also was quick to share the credit.

“Hats off to my team. Talk about a group of great, committed individuals,” he said. “The same goes for the principals, teachers, custodians, the folks who drive our buses. They all have a tremendous level of caring and compassions. We see that here in the school board and in our community partners.

“It’s a fun place to work.”