William H. Scherkenbach was born in Cherokee, Iowa in 1931. He was married to Mary Scherkenbach for 52 years. They have four children, Cathy, Cynthia, Carl, and Clarisse.
Mr. Scherkenbach began his career with the Clark County School District in 1968 as its very first security officer assigned to Valley High School. By June of 1970, he had created and implemented the Division of Police Services. Under his direction, the CCSD Police Division was held in high regard by other unities of local law enforcement.
The Clark County School District was the first to have a Division of Police Services in Nevada due to the efforts of Mr. Scherkenbach. Other Nevada school districts began similar divisions with Mr. Scherkenbach guiding them by sharing his expertise and experience. His accomplishments include starting the first Canine Unit for the School District in conjunction with the local police department, having school security police designated as Peace Officers though the Nevada Legislature, and implementing the Parent Restitution Program from which there were no repeat offenders under his tenure.
During his 37 years of dedication to the Clark County School District Police Services, Mr. Scherkenbach always considered the welfare of the students in Clark County. They were the reason he worked so diligently to maintain excellence. He was a positive role model for students, and helped to guide them toward a productive adulthood.
Mary Scherkenbach was born in Kansas City, Missouri, raised in San Diego, California, and moved to Las Vegas Nevada in 1964. She began working for the Clark County School District in 1968 as a library aide at Vegas Verdes Elementary.
By 1970, Mrs. Scherkenbach had advanced to librarian at E.W. Griffith Elementary. From 1989 through 1992, Mrs. Scherkenbach served on the Elementary Education School Office Manager's Task Force. In this capacity, she wrote the guidelines for all Sixth Grade Centers in the newly published secretary's manual.
Her awards include 1st place for the State of Wyoming Women's Poetry Award, Excellence in Education award, and she was an Investment in Education recipient. She was also instrumental in having the Black Fire Opal designated as Nevada's Most Precious Gemstone.
During her work with children, Mrs. Scherkenbach was responsible for turning around the lives of many students who were in jeopardy. Through diligent and dedicated efforts, she gained the confidence of the students entrusted to her care. She believed in the good of all children, praised their daily accomplishments, served as a mentor and role model, and gave them unconditional love.
Mrs. Scherkenbach achieved secretarial status at Curriculum and Instruction Division, and in this capacity administered her services to facilitators. Mary Scherkenbach ended her career with the Clark County School District as Secretary for the Development and Education Improvement Division.
Elementary