Former Reno Police Officer Joins Washoe County School Board

RENO, Nev. — James Phoenix, a former Reno police officer and chairman of the Pyramid Lake Indian Tribe, was unanimously selected as the newest member of the Washoe County School Board on Tuesday. Phoenix was sworn in to fill the District C seat vacated by Joe Rodriguez, who resigned in November after being elected to the Sparks City Council.

Phoenix will serve the remaining two years of the four-year term representing District C, which includes parts of north Washoe County, such as Gerlach, North Valleys, Wingfield Springs, and the Pyramid Lake area, where Phoenix resides. If he wishes to remain on the board after his appointment, he will need to run for election in 2026.

Phoenix assumed his role immediately, participating in the board’s first official meeting of the year. He joins a board where most trustees initially began as appointees. Trustees Beth Smith, Adam Mayberry, Diane Nicolet, and Alex Woodley were all appointed before running to retain their seats, while Colleen Westlake and Christine Hull were elected.

In addition to his tribal leadership and law enforcement background, Phoenix served in the Nevada Army National Guard for 28 years before retiring. In his application for the school board position, Phoenix emphasized his commitment to engaging with students and staff. “I will be present and actively engaged at planned community events as a community leader,” he wrote. He also pledged to be an asset to the board, stating, “In my opinion, being connected, present, real, and maintaining trust is key.”

The Washoe County School Board’s decision comes as school boards across Nevada welcome new members and address ongoing challenges in K-12 education. In Clark County, new trustees Emily Stevens, Lydia Dominguez, Tameka Henry, and Lorena Biassotti were sworn in last week, marking a higher turnover than four years ago. Their election has sparked debate, particularly over issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and book bans.

Meanwhile, the Nevada Donor Network and the Nevada Department of Education have partnered to launch a statewide curriculum on organ, eye, and tissue donations. The program, mandated by a 2017 bill, will be implemented in more than 260 middle and high schools across the state, aiming to raise awareness about the donation process and share local donor and recipient stories.

As school boards across Nevada navigate these changes, the focus remains on improving education outcomes and addressing community concerns. Phoenix’s appointment reflects the board’s commitment to diverse leadership and community engagement.