Nye County schools set for new year

The Nye County School District had its final board meeting before instruction begins for most of the district’s kids on Aug. 7.

Besides new business, the board recognized some of the incoming staff and contributors to the food service program this past summer.

Dale Norton, the superintendent at the Nye County School District, introduced several new principals for Pahrump and Tonopah at the July 26 meeting, held at the district office at 484 S. West St.

One of those was Jennifer Ehrheart, the new principal at Pahrump Valley High School, and Scott Shakespeare, the new principal of Tonopah schools. David Fossett, the new assistant principal of Tonopah schools, was introduced, but he wasn’t in attendance at the Pahrump meeting.

Scott Winter was introduced as the new principal at J.G. Johnson Elementary in Pahrump.

Student orientation for incoming freshmen at the high school is planned for today from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. on campus at 501 E. Calvada Blvd. An open house is scheduled afterward from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Kindergartners and pre-kindergarten students are delayed one week until Aug. 14 for Pahrump and the surrounding areas.

Staff changes in district

Several staff changes are in place for 2017-18 school year in Nye County:

Chris Brockman, once principal of Pahrump Valley High School, is now principal of Amargosa and Beatty schools.

Melinda Jeffrey, once a Nye County School District teacher, is headed to Amargosa and Beatty schools as assistant principal.

Scott Moore is going from principal of Tonopah Elementary to principal of Hafen Elementary in Pahrump.

Kenny Weaver is heading from principal of Hafen Elementary to assistant principal of Pahrump Valley High School.

Sonja Miller, once assistant principal of Pahrump Valley High School, is heading on to be principal of Round Mountain schools.

Summer lunch program

At the most recent school board meeting, several organizations and businesses were recognized for their assistance in the district’s summer food service program.

Valley Electric Association, Pahrump Valley Rotary Club and Desert View Hospital all donated a pallet of water each for kids taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service program with the Nye County School District as a partner.

The USDA doesn’t include water as part of its program, Norton said.

There to receive recognition by the district and a plaque were Phyllis Deal of the Pahrump Valley Rotary Club; Ryan Muccio of Valley Electric Association; and Desert View Hospital CEO Susan Davila, for contributing resources for Pahrump and surrounding towns during the meeting.

Norton also recognized Jodi Martinez, food service coordinator for the Nye County School District, who heads up the program.

Martinez, along with several district employees and others, helped deliver 15,626 meals across Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, Beatty and Gabbs, Norton reported at the meeting.

Broken down, there were 4,960 breakfasts and lunches served at J.G. Johnson Elementary through the program. The other six sites in Pahrump served 4,389 meals under the program and across four stops in Amargosa Valley, 3,455 meals were served throughout the summer program.

Nearly 200 meals were served in Beatty and Gabbs.

The program wrapped up for the season at most sites at the end of July and into early August, with some ending earlier. The season started its 2017 deliveries in May for Pahrump, later for some surrounding areas.

The program is open to kids and teens all summer long, with no enrollment required.

For more information, text “FOOD” to 877-877 or visit freesummerfood.org

More information can also be found by calling 1-866-348-6479.

Contact reporter Jeffrey Meehan at jmeehan@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes