Nevada Legislature Approves Education Reform Bills

Students in a Nevada classroom engaged in collaborative learning as education reform efforts unfold.

News Summary

The Nevada Legislature is nearing the conclusion of key education reform bills, aiming to enhance accountability for charter schools and public education. Governor Joe Lombardo’s Assembly Bill 584 seeks to evaluate underperforming schools and includes open enrollment policies. Other proposals focus on updating sex education requirements and raising teacher salaries. These legislative efforts come amid concerns about the impact on low-income schools and broader educational equity in the state, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding educational accountability and reform.

Las Vegas, Nevada — The Nevada Legislature is in the final stages of approving a series of education reform bills as the school year comes to a close. These proposals come from both Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, as they navigate a growing debate around the accountability of charter schools and the broader public education system.

Among the key pieces of legislation is Assembly Bill 584 (AB584), introduced by Gov. Lombardo. This bill is designed to address the challenges faced by underperforming schools and includes a new rating system to evaluate entire school districts. Schools that fall short of specific student achievement goals may be classified as low-performing, which could lead to interventions such as probation, oversight, or even a state takeover. Notably, the bill would also allow low-performing schools to convert to charter schools, a provision that was previously repealed in 2019 but was originally instituted in 2015.

The Nevada State Education Association has voiced concerns about AB584, labeling it punitive and expressing fears that it will disproportionately affect schools in low-income areas. As part of the proposed reforms, the governor’s bill introduces the Nevada Integrity in Academic Funding initiative. This program aims to assist students transitioning from underperforming schools to alternative educational options, including private institutions, with a budget of $850,000 dedicated to educational expenses. However, funding for this program will not come from existing state or federal education allocations.

Moreover, the bill seeks to enhance open enrollment policies, requiring school districts to provide clear information about available spots in schools. This plan also includes the implementation of a two-tiered lottery system that prioritizes students from low-performing schools.

Another significant legislative effort is Assembly Bill 205, led by Assemblywoman Heather Goulding. This proposal aims to update sex education requirements in Nevada, shifting from the current opt-in model to an opt-out system that would ensure all students receive instruction unless their parents choose to withdraw them.

On the other hand, Senate Bill 460, spearheaded by Cannizzaro, focuses on enhancing accountability in both public and charter schools. This bill proposes measures such as pay raises for teachers, which are estimated to cost around $24.6 million. Additionally, it includes provisions to increase funding equity for charter schools and to incentivize high-performing teachers with financial rewards. While the governor’s proposals have garnered support from charter school advocates and students who favor school choice, they have faced opposition from various education associations and public school supporters.

Another bill, Assembly Bill 398, has been passed to raise teacher salaries for both charter schools and hard-to-fill positions within the public school system. This move follows mounting pressure from lawmakers to ensure that pay raises are factored into education budgets.

Critics have raised concerns that Cannizzaro’s SB 460 could compromise the autonomy of charter schools, potentially limiting their ability to implement innovative teaching methods by imposing stringent licensure requirements on educators.

As these legislative efforts unfold, they highlight a broader divide between differing approaches to educational reform and accountability in Nevada. Historically, the state’s education system has ranked among the lowest in the nation, underscoring the pressing need for substantial and effective changes.

As lawmakers strive to finalize these bills before the school year ends, the outcomes could significantly affect the landscape of education in Nevada, influencing not only the administration of charter schools but also the quality of education offered to students throughout the state.