Scott’s professional life has centered on serving families, strengthening systems, and supporting vulnerable populations.

With degrees in Psychology and Social Work, he built a career focused on understanding people — how students learn, how trauma affects development, how families navigate challenges, and how institutions can either remove barriers or create them.

His work has required balancing complex budgets, managing teams, implementing policy, and bringing together diverse stakeholders to solve difficult problems. That experience translates directly to school board governance — where collaboration, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making matter.

Scott has not waited to serve.

He spent seven years on the Washoe County School District’s Safe and Healthy Schools Commission, ultimately serving as Chair. During that time, he worked alongside educators, administrators, health professionals, and student representatives to strengthen school safety policies and expand mental health supports — particularly during the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic.

He currently serves as Chair of the Council on Family Resource Centers, collaborating with school districts, nonprofits, and local agencies to address barriers like housing instability, food insecurity, and family stress — issues that directly affect student learning.

Through these roles, Scott has gained firsthand experience in district governance, public accountability, and community collaboration.

For more than two decades, Scott has coached and mentored young people in the cheer and dance community at the local, regional, and national levels.

Coaching has shaped his leadership philosophy:

• High expectations paired with real support.
• Teamwork over ego.
• Accountability balanced with compassion.

He believes students thrive when they feel seen, challenged, and supported — values he brings to every aspect of his work.

Scott is a proud Army veteran.

His military service instilled discipline, teamwork, and the ability to lead under pressure. It reinforced the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, making decisions thoughtfully, and serving something greater than oneself.

Those lessons continue to guide him in both his personal and professional life.

Scott believes school board trustees should govern alongside educators — not over them. They should listen before deciding. They should prioritize students above politics. And they should communicate openly with families.

His approach is steady, solutions-oriented, and grounded in real experience.

He is not running for recognition. He is running because he cares deeply about this community and the future of its children.

Washoe County shaped Scott Benton. Now he is ready to serve it.