Five Questions for Albert Jacquez, Candidate for Carson City School Board District 1

In March, all candidates for local and state positions filed their intention to run for office, in everything from the senate to the school board.

The 2022 Nevada Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 14.

Early Voting begins on Saturday, May 28 and runs through Friday, June 10.

The 2022 Nevada General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8.

Early voting begins on Saturday, October 22 and runs through Friday, November 4.

Each candidate will be asked five questions relating to their position as a part of the Five Question series from Carson Now.

Albert Jacquez is running for School Board Trustee District 1.

1) What is the greatest challenge our schools are facing currently?

I think the most challenging issue the school district faces is employee retention.

2) What do you think is the solution to that challenge?

This is a very difficult issue to solve but not impossible. I think the first step we can take is slow down, take a deep breath, and listen. Work with each other to find solutions instead of always pointing out what is wrong or what we think is wrong. The work to move forward and make the school district the best we can will take time and patience. Willingness to work through compromise and understand that every decision made is in the best interest of the district, faculty, and students.

3) What is the best decision the Carson City School Board has made in the past year, and why?

I think the school board has faced many challenges over the past two years. I don’t think any single decision made was key, but rather a multitude of great choices to put us where we are. To have faced a pandemic and keep our schools up and running was incredible.

4) What in your background makes you an ideal candidate for the school board?

I believe I am qualified for the position of school board trustee because of my work in education for over 20 years. I began my career with the Aztec Boys and Girls Club in Aztec, New Mexico. I started there while in high school as an after school job. I realized very quickly that working with children and the value of education would be what I wanted to do with my life. I spent the next 4 years there moving my way to program director. I then moved to work at a residential treatment facility for teens called Halvorson House in Famington, New Mexico. I worked there for 2 years where I successfully helped 6 teens graduate the program.

I then moved to Nevada in March of 2007 where I began work at the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada. I worked there for from 2007 until 2013. While at the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada I also participated in the mentor program where I mentored 3 teen boys while raising my 2 year old son. During this time I also won the “Quality of Life” Award from the Chamber of Commerce and received an Award of Accommodation from Senator Harry Reid.

I then moved on to work at the Nevada Department of Transportation as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the state bicycle and pedestrian program.

I have also volunteered 3 years to serve on the Carson City Little League Board. One year as a player agent and 2 years as Vice President. During my time across two states working with children, teachers, and other facility members I learned how much education means, not only to me, but to the growth of a community.

The teachers I know have remarkable passion for their professions and care for the children in their classes. I want to help the teachers in any way I can so they can continue their amazing work. I want to recognize what they do because without support we are asking them to fight with both hands tied behind their back. I want to hear what they have to say and do my best to support them because I know their value.

5) What is the top priority project or idea that you like the school board to implement in the next five years?

My top priority is to listen and work with anyone I can to help this school district be the amazing place I know it can be. To work with teachers and faculty to give them the tools they need to succeed. Listening and patience are essential to the growth of our community and school district. To work with other board members and the superintendent to make this district as strong as we know it is.