Lawrence “Larry” Small, a dedicated and longstanding member of the Nye County School Board, has been serving his community since 2016. Representing Area 4, Mr. Small has consistently demonstrated his commitment to student achievement and the safety of the school environment. As a Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Small brings a strong sense of duty and discipline to his role on the board. His military background has greatly influenced his approach to leadership, especially his focus on security within the school district.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Small identifies his focus on student security as one of his most significant contributions, noting that the issue became particularly urgent as school shootings began to increase nationally. “We need to be more safe in schools,” Mr. Small emphasized, recalling the early days of his service when he and the district’s safety manager, Joe Schmidt, began attending safety conferences to ensure that local schools were as secure as possible.
His passion for safety is just one aspect of his dedication to the school board. When asked why he sought a third term, Mr. Small pointed to the district’s struggles during his second term, including the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and a leadership transition. He felt a strong responsibility to help guide the district through these turbulent times and work towards improving its standing in the state rankings. “We were tired of being in last place,” he said, expressing a shared determination among the board members to elevate the district’s performance and reputation.
One of Mr. Small’s proudest accomplishments during his time on the board is the progress made toward the construction of a new elementary school in Tonopah. This project had been a long-standing goal for the district, and Mr. Small is pleased to see it finally coming to fruition. “It’s not my accomplishment alone, but it’s something that I am proud to have been a part of,” he said.
Since joining the board, Mr. Small has witnessed significant improvements within the district. He recalls the early years as a time of somewhat low morale amongst district employees and slow progress, but he has seen a transformation in recent years. “We’ve gone from a low steam to now getting things done on a positive note,” he observed. He credits this shift to a more cohesive and motivated board, as well as the positive leadership of the current board president.
Mr. Small is particularly proud of the collaborative nature of the board, noting that while members may have different philosophies, they work together as a team to achieve common goals. He believes that this teamwork is essential to the board’s success and is committed to ensuring that the voices of parents, teachers, and students are heard in the decision-making process. “I reach out to the community, visit schools, and make sure to engage with everyone from teachers to janitors,” Mr. Small explained, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with those directly impacted by the board’s decisions.
As he looks ahead to his final term, Mr. Small’s priorities include maintaining a positive atmosphere throughout the district, improving star ratings, and addressing absenteeism. He is confident that with the tools and strategies currently in place, the district is on the right track to achieve these goals. He also expresses optimism about the district’s future, particularly under the leadership of Dr. Gent, the Superintendent. “I think we’re on our way to seeing excellent results,” he said, noting the positive atmosphere that Dr. Gent has fostered.
Reflecting on his legacy, Mr. Small hopes to be remembered as “the old man of the board” who always put the students first. He advises incoming board members to be prepared for the time and effort required to serve effectively, emphasizing the importance of doing thorough research and working closely with district personnel. “You just can’t get on the school board and be there every meeting. It doesn’t work that way,” he warned, stressing the need for dedication and preparation.
Beyond his service on the board, Mr. Small has led a rich personal life, marked by a deep commitment to family and community. He and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 50 years and have raised eleven children, including four grandsons. Their love for children extended beyond their own family, as they provided foster care for over 70 to 80 children, many with special needs, during their time in Las Vegas. This experience, combined with Cindy’s 16 years of service as a paraprofessional in the district, has profoundly influenced Mr. Small’s approach to his work on the school board.
As he enters his final term, Mr. Small remains focused on ensuring that the district continues to move forward positively, with a strong emphasis on student achievement and a commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all. His legacy, built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the children of Nye County, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the community he has served so faithfully.
