Churchill school director leaves for state department of education

FALLON - Churchill County School District's Director of Special Services Marva Cleven has accepted a position at the Nevada Department of Education, and Will Jensen of Douglas County has been chosen to fill her position.

"We're looking for someone to get us to our next best step," said Superintendent Carolyn Ross. "He (the candidate) has experience working for Douglas in a system that may be a few steps ahead of us. He comes very highly recommended by everyone I talked to in Douglas County."

Cleven has been the director of Special Services for almost six years, and she had 11 years of teaching experience prior. Ross said she improved many areas of special education and will be missed.

"She has strengthened the delivery of instruction for special education students," Ross said. "She has empowered parents and waited patiently to get grants for the school district. I plan on honoring Marva for the wonderful work she's accomplished."

Cleven said she hopes much of her work with the CCSD has a lasting impact, especially her efforts to prevent special education students from being separated into programs by disability.

Additionally Cleven said she is happy to continue working with Churchill County at the state level because she will miss working with the district.

"In every aspect of that job, I'll be working with Churchill," Cleven said. "It's a great school district. I'll be missing a lot of components of my job. I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without my experiences there."

Ross said Cleven will be a valuable addition to the state.

"She will be an asset," Ross said. "She will bring experience and tremendous energy to that position, and she will continue to advocate for Churchill County at the state level."

Ross said after a process of evaluation a committee recommended Douglas County School District's Intervention Specialist to replace Cleven. She said the trustees will consider approving Jensen for the position at the Jan. 21 school board meeting.

"I am very excited to be working with the Churchill County School District," Jensen said.

Jensen has a teacher's and special education license and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration.