Cram ready for farewell tour

     By Lynn Collier
     View staff writer
      Clark County School District Superintendent Brian Cram had a little extra spring in his step at the first school board meeting of the year Jan. 4.
      "I'm getting ready for my farewell tour," he said, grinning broadly.
      Cram, who has been the county superintendent for 10 years, will leave office in July 2000.
      "I'm thinking about learning to play golf," he said of his future plans.
      As for his replacement, he said he's confident the school board will find a "new and better model."
      "Most superintendents last 2 1/2 years. I'm long overdue," he said. "I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the school district. I graduated from the district. My children graduated from the district and my father was a janitor with the district."
      At the meeting, the board of trustees elected Ruth Johnson of District B as its new president.
      She said one of the biggest issues this coming year will be to find a replacement for Cram. Johnson hopes the board will make a final selection this year.
      It could be a big challenge, considering the position pays a yearly salary of only $158,859, compared to up to $190,000 at other school districts of similar size.
      Still, Cram said the pay won't hinder the board's efforts in finding a new superintendent next year.
      "We're known as a progressive district," he said. "That will draw good candidates. Also, salary isn't the only important issue."
      The board will also focus on strengthening academics throughout the district and keeping the Legislature informed on board actions, Johnson said.
      Johnson, who represents the Northwest and is serving her second term, said she's looking forward to her new position.
      "I see this session doing some good things this year," she said.
      She also gave credit to her predecessor, Susan Brager of the Southwest area's District F. Brager nominated Johnson for the post.
      "I've watched Susan and her approach to business in the public," she said. "She brought good business (sense) into the meetings."
      Cram said Johnson would make a good school board president and help lead the district into the next century.
      "I've found Ms. Johnson to be well prepared; does her homework; stays up on the issues and attempts to be fair," he said. "These are all good qualities for a board president."
      At the meeting, Mary Beth Scow, of Henderson's District A, was elected vice president. Larry Mason, of the Southeast's District D, was elected clerk. Also, three school board trustees were sworn into office by U.S. District Court Judge Johnnie Rawlinson.
      Brager and Mason, who were re-elected in November, and newcomer Sheila Moulton, who represents the Sunrise area's District G, were installed into office.