New CCSD trustee, in temporary appointment, pledges to ‘do the work’
The Clark County School Board appointed Nakia Jackson-Hale in what will be a four-meeting, two-month stint representing District B.
Wednesday’s appointment comes less than a week before Election Day, when District B voters will elect a new trustee whose term begins in January.
In her interview, Jackson-Hale, who works as an assistant dean at UNLV’s nursing school, said that she had been following the School Board for a long time and hoped to be a permanent member eventually. She viewed the temporary appointment as an opportunity to both learn more about the Clark County School District and give back to the district, where three of her children attend school.
“I can’t really complain about CCSD and the way that it operates if I’m not doing anything to find out about it and how it works and why certain decisions are made,” she said.
Jackson-Hale was one of nine candidates interviewed by the board on Wednesday morning for the seat, which has been vacant since Katie Williams resigned in September.
The board asked each candidate the same nine questions, including ones about experience with incivility, collaboration, understanding of open meeting law and dealing with a budget as large as that of CCSD. After a special meeting that lasted over four hours, the board voted for Jackson-Hale in a 4-2 vote.
Several trustees expressed their appreciation for the many qualified candidates.
Jackson-Hale said that she has worked in public service for 23 years, including overseeing budgets. She serves on the education committee in the National Coalition of Black Women and has served on both the School Organization Team and Parent Teacher Association in her children’s schools.
‘I like to bring everyone to the table’
As a trustee, Jackson-Hale said she would be sure to “do the work” — researching the issues and listening to constituents.
She described herself as “not conflict averse” but not liking conflict.
“I like to bring everyone to the table so that we can have a hearty discussion about the issues, and hopefully meet in the middle,” she said.
After receiving her appointment, Jackson-Hale said that she knew she would need to hit the ground running, but was ready for the challenge.
“The individuals in District B are going to have great representation,” said Trustee Irene Bustamante Adams, who had seconded her nomination after Trustee Brenda Zamora first made the motion.
While Jackson-Hale will only participate in four meetings, she will play a crucial role in breaking the 3-3 tie votes the board has faced since Williams’ resignation, which is how each of the votes for other nominations before hers went on Wednesday.
Williams resigned Sept. 11 after District Attorney Steve Wolfson determined she was not a resident of Nevada, as required by law, and that the district attorney’s office would “commence a proceeding to declare the office vacant,” according to a letter from Wolfson to Williams.
Two vying for seat in election
Jackson-Hale said that she was partially motivated to run because she believes that no one should be left behind. District B, she said, had been “without a voice or a seat at the table for who knows how long.”
Former special education teacher Eileen Eady and former U.S. Air Force and Moms for Liberty member Lydia Dominguez are vying for the seat in the election.
Dominguez applied for the temporary position but did not receive any nominations from the board. Eady has said she wants to earn the position through votes, not appointment.
Contact Katie Futterman at kfutterman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @ktfutts on X.