LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- Clark County School District Superintendent Dwight Jones is stepping down.
Jones made the announcement in a news release Tuesday night, saying he has to step down to take care of his sick mother.
Jones' decision comes a little more than two years after he took over the nation's fifth-largest school district.
"I'm proud of this community and the hard work we have done. We have left a blueprint behind to guide the work further with the board's support,” Jones said in a statement. “I thank the people of Clark County for their trust and support. I am honored to be a part of this hard and worthwhile work."
Since taking over in 2011, Jones made student achievement his top priority, unveiling a new Student Assessment System and School Ranking Program.
Jones also added turnaround schools where low-performing schools were cleaned out and replaced with new teachers and administrators.
His departure comes at a crucial time when the district is fighting for more funding from Carson City.
"I'm saddened by our Superintendent's sudden departure from the District but fully understand the need to be with his mother and family,” said School Board of Trustees President Carolyn Edwards in a statement. “We will ensure the good work Mr. Jones started here continues to move forward. Our children are counting on us."
"The departure of Dwight Jones is a huge loss for our community,” Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said in a news release. “In his brief tenure with the School District he has made huge strides to improve education in Southern Nevada. We wish his mother a speedy and strong recovery. She and Dwight have my very best wishes."
Jones's last day as superintendent will be March 22. The School Board planned to meet Wednesday morning to discuss who will replace Jones.
