CCSD's interim superintendent discusses successes, challenges and decision to not apply for role
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Clark County School District is seeing improvements in student grades but they're still not where they need to be, according to its interim superintendent.
Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell has been the district's top leader for nearly a year. At Wednesday's annual State of the Schools address inside Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, she laid out her success and challenges.
'We've decreased suspensions and discretionary expulsions from quarter one this year to quarter one last year, and I attribute it to the hardworking educators within our schools,' Larsen-Mitchell, who has been with the district for about 30 years, said.
Dr. Larsen-Mitchell presented data showing a decrease of 11% for suspensions and 17% for discretionary expulsions when comparing the first quarters of the 2024-2025 to 2023-2024 school years.
CCSD's own data showed it experienced an increase over the years in suspensions. In the 2021-2022 school year, the district suspended 66,126 students. The next school year 87,174 students were suspended, and in the 2023-2024 school year, the district suspended 106,707 students.
'It's extremely important to remember that all of this data is about educators working really, really hard with our families and with our students,' Larsen-Mitchell said.
She said middle school science scores improved in every student group, but not in elementary and high schools. She also said third grade reading is not where it needs to be.
Test scores for 2024 revealed only 40% of third graders were proficient. These reading scores are from students who were home during the pandemic – instead of a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classroom.
'We look at where students are with their reading, and if they need additional supports, if they have gaps in their skills, we provide extra time. Extra support for students,' Larsen-Mitchell said. 'That is a research-based framework that we will continue to use.'
CCSD, the nation's fifth-largest school district, has been without a permanent superintendent since Dr. Jesus Jara was forced out in Feb. of 2024.
The application deadline for prospective superintendent candidates closes next Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Larsen-Mitchell said previously that she is not applying for that position and stated that she would help the newly hired leader on Wednesday.
'Of course I serve in support of the Clark County School District. I look forward to bridging the transition between myself serving as the interim superintendent and the next superintendent,' she said. 'My future right now is pretty open. God's got a plan.'
She added she looks forward to the district having a fresh start.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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