Contract Negotiations Begin with Superintendent Candidate

LAS VEGAS -- Clark County's superintendent candidate is speaking out about his new position and his plans once he takes office.

Dwight Jones was named to post by a six to one vote Wednesday night. Trustee Linda Young was the only no vote, saying she wasn't voting against Jones, but against the process because she felt it was rushed.

She wasn't alone. Many people echoed that same concern, while board members say enough time had passed.

As for Jones, he says he's prepared to the tackle the challenges of the country's fifth largest school district.

"It's a very exciting day. It was exciting to get the call last evening," he said.

Jones was picked over over Dallas Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. He says the state's budget is the first major hurdle to tackle.

"I think starting to get a better picture of what the financial landscape would look like and how we're going to tackle and make a case to the legislature and to the governor about the resources we've got to have to get better results in Clark County," he said.

Today, union leaders praised Jones' selection.

"His relationship with unions and the positive feedback we got from the Colorado unions -- his ability to work collaboratively with them. The second was he obviously did his homework," said Ruben Murillo with the Clark County Educators Association.

Contract negotiations between Jones and the board are ongoing. Jones says he should have a better picture next week on when he could start.