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Churchill County School Board Trustee Mark Hyde said missing five of the last six school board meetings doesn't mean he is neglecting his job as an elected official.
Hyde said the absences since March were linked to his son leaving Fallon to play football and a family vacation at Lake Powell.
"I haven't lost interest at all. I'm more than happy to be a board member," he said Friday. "Missing a board meeting does not necessarily mean I'm neglecting my duty."
Board member Dave Ash said he has been questioned by the public about Hyde's absences.
Hyde said the absences since March were linked to his son leaving Fallon to play football and a family vacation at Lake Powell.
"I haven't lost interest at all. I'm more than happy to be a board member," he said Friday. "Missing a board meeting does not necessarily mean I'm neglecting my duty."
Board member Dave Ash said he has been questioned by the public about Hyde's absences.
"It has been voiced to me why he misses so many meetings," Ash said.
He said he checked state law regarding a public figure who misses meetings when Ash thought he might have to serve overseas.
"During 9-11 when I got mobilized with the National Guard, I didn't know if I would be shipped out and have to give up my seat on the board. I was concerned about it at the time if I was not able to carry out my duties."
Nevada law states that a county district attorney or attorney general can petition to declare a seat vacant if an elected official neglects or refuses to discharge duties of the office for 30 days. Exceptions are made for illness or someone who is out of the state or county.
He said he checked state law regarding a public figure who misses meetings when Ash thought he might have to serve overseas.
"During 9-11 when I got mobilized with the National Guard, I didn't know if I would be shipped out and have to give up my seat on the board. I was concerned about it at the time if I was not able to carry out my duties."
Nevada law states that a county district attorney or attorney general can petition to declare a seat vacant if an elected official neglects or refuses to discharge duties of the office for 30 days. Exceptions are made for illness or someone who is out of the state or county.
Hyde said "family obligations" caused him to miss the last three board meetings but he participated in scholarship committee meetings and "made a nice contribution" for a scholarship offered by the board to a graduating senior each year.
"I served on that and never missed a meeting," he said. "I feel like I've been a very good public servant."
Ash said he wondered why Hyde was missing recent board sessions. School district board minutes show Hyde was absent April 6, April 13, May 20, June 16 and June 29. He was present for the May 17 meeting.
"Family is very important and it's important to me, too," said Ash. "By becoming a member of the board I knew I would have to sacrifice some family events because I made a commitment to the community."
"I served on that and never missed a meeting," he said. "I feel like I've been a very good public servant."
Ash said he wondered why Hyde was missing recent board sessions. School district board minutes show Hyde was absent April 6, April 13, May 20, June 16 and June 29. He was present for the May 17 meeting.
"Family is very important and it's important to me, too," said Ash. "By becoming a member of the board I knew I would have to sacrifice some family events because I made a commitment to the community."
Trustee Lou Buckmaster said he never thought about why Hyde was absent and doesn't think it's an issue.
"It never did cross my mind. It doesn't bother me," Buckmaster said. "It's his business. I never talked to him about it because it's his business and none of mine."
Hyde vowed he will be at the next regular meeting Thursday. His term expires in January and he is not seeking re-election.
Voters will select three board members in November. Incumbents Debbie Smith and Buckmaster hope to retain their seats. Nine other candidates are also in the school board race.
Marlene Garcia can be contacted at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com
"It never did cross my mind. It doesn't bother me," Buckmaster said. "It's his business. I never talked to him about it because it's his business and none of mine."
Hyde vowed he will be at the next regular meeting Thursday. His term expires in January and he is not seeking re-election.
Voters will select three board members in November. Incumbents Debbie Smith and Buckmaster hope to retain their seats. Nine other candidates are also in the school board race.
Marlene Garcia can be contacted at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com
