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C.T. Sewell Elementary School is named for Chester (Chet) T. Sewell of Henderson. Sewell was instrumental in dealing with serious school overcrowding in the 1960s. Born in Grandfalls, Texas, January 23, 1904, C.T. Sewell was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. He grew up in Southern California and moved to Henderson in 1942, finding employment in a magnesium plant during World War II. |
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Mr. Sewell was appointed to the Henderson School Board in 1952, earning election in 1954. The Clark County School District was formed in 1956, consolidating all the schools in the valley; C.T. Sewell was not only named Henderson's representative to the CCSD school board, but appointed vice president of the new school board as well. |
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He was a member of the Clark County School Board from 1956 to 1966, serving as president of the school board from 1960 to 1966. The major issue during Mr. Sewell's term of office was the rapid increase in student population, which, combined with a financial crisis, caused overcrowded schools, and led to the institution of double sessions at many of the schools. Along with the other board members, Mr. Sewell helped facilitate a building program, which enabled the return to single session schools by 1966. |
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C.T. Sewell was the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award from Nevada Savings and Loan Association in 1964, receiving the honor on Independence Day during a broadcast on KLAS-TV. |
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In his letter of resignation from the Clark County School Board, Mr. Sewell said, "I can truthfully say that my work as a board member and the associations that I have had with my fellow board members, administrators, and all of those involved in education has been the most rewarding experience in my life." |
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Although he battled health problems the remaining years of his life, Mr. Sewell often helped with activities at C.T. Sewell Elementary. Chet Sewell died on August 8, 1998. |
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CCSD changed the name of Valley View Elementary School, one of the oldest schools in Henderson, to C.T. Sewell Elementary School in 1966. |
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