Washoe County School District picks 3 to move forward for school board

Alex Woodley, a city of Reno employee who was raised by his grandmother in poverty, was the standout candidate to replace Angie Taylor on the Washoe County School Board on Tuesday.

Out of seven applicants to fill the seat, six gave statements at the board meeting. Woodley, the city of Reno's parking and code enforcement director, received the most votes. Five of the six board members picked him as their top choice.  

"I believe I can help to ensure no kid is left behind," Woodley told the board.

Meghan Beyer, an employee of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and librarian Kellie Crosby-Sturtz also moved forward for interviews at the next board meeting. The board is expected to vote on Taylor's replacement at the December meeting.

Trustee Beth Smith praised Beyer and Crosby-Sturtz.

"You did something that stopped me in my tracks," Smith said about Beyer's resume. "I love that you represented the years you raised your children in your resume."

Smith said she loved that Crosby-Sturtz had charter school experience.

"It is something we can learn from," Smith said.

Taylor resigned on Monday night after questions arose on whether she could attend Tuesday’s board meeting since she was elected to the Nevada Assembly. The midterm election votes were considered finalized on Monday.  It is against state law to serve in two elected positions at the same time.

Woodley joined the Marines after high school, raised a daughter as a single father and later graduated from college. He called his life experiences "privileges."

“I am an African American man. I am also bilingual Latino and a veteran of the great state of Nevada,” Woodley said. 

"I was really looking for collaboration, ability to work well with others, be a team player," said Trustee Adam Mayberry before he cast his top vote for Woodley.

Joey Gilbert, who unsuccessfully challenged Joe Lombardo in the Republican primary for governor, received the most public comment in his favor, but only Trustee Jeff Church listed Gilbert as a choice to fill the open seat.

"If you don't first identify the problems you have no chance to fix anything," Gilbert said.

He said he has been at school board meetings for the last three years and has heard a lot of fluff and accolades.

"But yet we have the worst schools in the nation," he said, listing low test scores, low pay for teachers and coaches. school violence and chronic absenteeism.

Church said his choice was between Woodley and Gilbert.

"I do believe Mr. Gilbert would bring balance (coming from) a non-governmental position," Church said. He and two other board members work in government jobs.

Church said Gilbert, an attorney, brings private business experience.

Three trustees mentioned that Gilbert should be eliminated from being considered because he didn’t follow the application process correctly and failed to submit all of the application requirements.   

Adrienne Potter, who submitted an application, did not show up to Tuesday's meeting.