By Selwyn Harris

Since 1990, Dale Norton has served in many capacities within the Nye County School District. Just recently, Norton made his intentions known: he wants to become the district’s next superintendent.

After Superintendent Dr. Rob Roberts announced his decision to retire last summer, Norton considered campaigning for the top spot, but dismissed the idea because of an unexpected family issue.

“The first time it actually came up I had the birth of a new granddaughter and my family and I were dealing with some health concerns with our granddaughter. I did not make that publicly known at that time. I just didn’t feel that I was in a position at that time to take on that leadership role. Since then things have settled down and obviously all is well,” he said.

If selected, Norton said any immediate changes on the horizon in the district will be up to the board of trustees.

“They are going to have to look at what their expectations are and I’ll fall in place in what direction they want to go,” he said.

Norton, who holds a Masters degree in administration and a Bachelors degree in education, noted that student achievement will be a top priority if he is chosen.

“We really need to be focused in on a clear vision, evaluating what needs attention, putting a plan in place, enabling all of the players in that plan and then holding the players accountable for it,” he said.

On the topic of why he thinks he would make the best candidate, Norton responded in a measured tone.

“That’s up to the board. This is the third search and I’ve worked hard in this district. I’ll continue to work hard no matter what position I’m in and that’s not going to change. I’m up for a challenge all of the time. I’m willing to learn, I’m willing to listen and do what’s best for our students. To me, it doesn’t matter what position I’m in whether it be in the central office, or in the classroom,” he said.

Norton has garnered substantial support from friends and colleagues throughout the school district and beyond.

He has received many letters of recommendation from Beatty Township’s Justice of the Peace Gus Sullivan, Ralph Cadwallader, Executive Director of the Nevada Association of School Administrators and Superintendent Roberts.

Roberts wrote, “I have known Dale as an effective school principal and assistant superintendent these past 10 years. It is my opinion he possesses the necessary skills and abilities to be selected as superintendent. It is my opinion you will not find a better person than Mr. Dale Norton. Do yourself a favor, select him, and then watch as he soars,” the letter stated.

When queried about Roberts’ performance over the past decade, Norton provided praise for the superintendent’s work ethic especially over the past few years when the district had to make some very tough decisions relating to budget concerns.

“He has taken us through some very tough times. I think we had some budgetary problems when he came in. We got through some of that, and he provided me with me with an opportunity to come to the central office level and learn and do the things that I do here. I have nothing but a great working relationship with him obviously, and he empowered me and enabled me to do the things that I’m responsible for and held me accountable to do them and I don’t mind that,” he said.

With district-wide layoffs over the past several years and possibly more on the way, Norton said he’s prepared to inherit a lot of issues relating to education in Nye County.

“It’s another day at work. We’ll just have to pull things together and pull people together and maybe reorganize a little bit and try not to miss a beat so the kids are not affected in the classroom,” he said.

Norton brings to the table a number of honors and certifications.

Currently, he’s the president of the Nevada Association of School Administrators and was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to sit on the Nevada Teachers & Leaders Council.

Facing off against Norton will be Jody Mimmack, who serves as an executive director in District 51 in Grand Junction, Colo., and White Pine County School District Superintendent Robert Dolezal from Ely.

Norton said he has known Dolezal for a number of years.

“I haven’t talked to him. I don’t know his reason for applying other than he may be looking for something different. I know they are going through some budget issues up there and maybe he’s just looking for a change. It’s a little warmer in Pahrump than it is in Ely, and it’s a lot closer to Las Vegas. I know Bob and he’s a great guy,” Norton said.

Trustees held individual interviews with the final three candidates at J.G. Johnson Elementary School at 5 p.m. yesterday.

The new superintendent is expected to be named today.

Norton began as principal at Amargosa Valley Elementary and Middle School, where he maintained the position for three years.

Norton worked his way up the district ladder and eventually served as principal for no less than three schools in Pahrump.

He is now the assistant superintendent for the district, a position he has held since 2005.