A former Reno police officer and chairman of the Pyramid Lake Indian Tribe was unanimously chosen as the newest member of the Washoe County School Board on Tuesday.
James Phoenix was sworn in to fill the seat left open by Joe Rodriguez, who resigned in November after being elected to the Sparks City Council.
Phoenix will serve out the remaining two years of the four-year term representing District C, an area that represents parts of north Washoe County including Gerlach, North Valleys and Wingfield Springs. It also includes the Pyramid Lake area, where Phoenix lives.
Phoenix will have to run in 2026 if he wants to remain on the school board following his appointment.
Phoenix assumed the role immediately for the first official meeting of the year. He joins a board where most trustees started as appointees. Trustees Beth Smith, Adam Mayberry, Diane Nicolet and Alex Woodley were all appointed to positions before running to retain their seats. Colleen Westlake and Christine Hull were elected.
In addition to his roles with the tribe and as a police officer, Phoenix served in the Nevada Army National Guard or 28 years before retiring.
In his application, Phoenix vowed to engage with students and staff.
“I will be present and actively engaged at planned community events as a community leader,” he wrote.
He also vowed to be an asset to the board.
“In my opinion, being connected, present, real and maintaining trust is key.”
