Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Era Ends For Nevada Schools

By JOHN MILLER

An era of Nevada school history came to an end with Tuesday's School Election on Sept. 16.

After serving on the Nevada School Board since the district's inception in 1987, Davis Benton was defeated by Don Callicott by a vote of 67-54.

Nevada Superintendent Rick McAffee praised Benton's dedication to the duties as a board member, saying he served the district well for many years.

"He loved his duty and took it seriously," McAffee said. "He spent countless hours working for the district."

Benton was also a member of the Arkansas School Board Association, but had to resign his position after the loss. To be on the ASBA, McAffee said, a person must also be on a local school board.

McAffee said Benton always worked to represent all students in the district, not just those from his zone. "It was something he prided himself on," he said.

The superintendent continued with the praise saying Benton was a leader in the technological revolution at Nevada. He said the advances in technology at the school will continue to be board driven as they have always been.

Benton, McAffee said, supported the move to improve technology and make it available to every student in the system.

Talking about the consolidation of five rural schools to create the Nevada Special School District No. 1, McAffee said it was a labor of love for Benton to make sure the children in south Nevada County.

He displayed his compassion for the children by working tirelessly and giving his time to support the district.

Benton said it was a good ride for 10 years, even though it was rough the first few.

"We pretty well got things settled the way we wanted and put a good school in south Nevada County," Benton said.

With the consolidation, he said, fewer students had to go through remediation in post secondary schools than when they were from the five smaller schools.

"I don't know anything I've done over the last 10 years I would have done differently," he said looking back over his tenure on the board. "We accomplished most of the goals we set."

However, Benton had a different perspective than other members of the Nevada board from his position on the ASBA. With the state board, Benton traveled across Arkansas looking at what other schools were doing, what their problems were and what they were having success with.

Instead of worrying about losing the election and being unseated, Benton voiced concern about the apathy in school elections.

He said the voter turnout was less than 50 percent in his district. "This is not a good showing in helping decide the fate of our children. People feel it's not necessary to vote," he said.

In talking about the race, he said it bothered him to lose, but, "I don't know what I could have done differently. No one can't be replaced."

On the other hand, he said the loss doesn't mean he and Helen, his wife, won't be busy. Benton is also the chairman of the Nevada County Democratic Central Committee as well as being the chair of the county's election commission. In addition, he's the mayor of Cale.

Benton said he will also remain involved in working with his church. "I'll find plenty to get into.

While Benton laments the loss, he said his wife and sons are celebrating, as they hope he will take a little time off.

In discussing election problems, Benton said there was one person who made the statement he didn't need to be on the board anyway because he didn't need the money. School board members in Arkansas receive no pay.

"We still have a good group and I will miss them all and visiting the school. I'll still follow the Bluejays.

"It was a great honor to be a charter member," he said, "and a privilege to serve on the board and make history in Arkansas. I don't know of any other district in the state where five districts consolidated." Benton said it could be considered a six-district consolidation as Rosston was part of Prescott's district at the time.

"We survived with no major problems. The people voted for it and raised their taxes to support it."

As a board member, Benton worked with four superintendents. Dr. Tom Woolbright was the original superintendent, but was there only to help get the physical plant built. He was replaced by Floyd Wood, who was there for the final construction of the school.

Barney Kizer was actually the first superintendent to supervise the day-to-day operations of the Nevada District, with McAffee taking over about four years ago.

Benton praised all of the superintendents, but said McAffee is not only a good educator, but knows how to get along well with people.

He said being retired he had more time to work on board related things than others.

"I would go nuts if I just sat around," Benton said. "I'm not an avid sportsman, but we'll travel some. We'll find plenty to do to keep us busy, but I'll miss being on the state board."