Nevada’s K-12 Education in Spotlight After Recent Legislative Session

Students engaging in educational activities that represent cultural heritage and community support in Nevada.

News Summary

The recent legislative session in Nevada has highlighted key issues in K-12 education alongside changes in school district personnel. Notable events include the appointment of a new student member to the State Board of Education, road safety improvements near schools after a tragic accident, and support for Northern Paiute language instruction. Additionally, concerns arise over potential defunding of the Job Corps program, which is crucial for providing employment opportunities to low-income youth. These developments underscore the community’s commitment to enhancing education and support systems for students and families.

Las Vegas

The recent post-legislative session review in Nevada has spotlighted several key issues regarding K-12 education and notable personnel changes within local school districts. Following the actions taken during the 2023 legislative session, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo reported varying degrees of success in fulfilling his campaign promises.

One significant development is the appointment of a new student member, Evana Lan, to the State Board of Education. Lan, who is a rising junior at Reno High School, is expected to bring an important student perspective to the discussions and decisions made by the board.

In related personnel changes, Clark County School Board President Irene Bustamante Adams announced that Chief Communications Officer Tod Story will be departing his position effective Monday. Story previously led the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada and has played a pivotal role in the district’s communications strategy.

Additionally, Annette Dawson Owens, a member of the Nevada State Board of Education, has officially declared her candidacy for Henderson City Council Ward 3, challenging the incumbent Carrie Cox. Owens has garnered endorsements from key local leaders, including Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, and was appointed to the education board by Governor Lombardo in March.

In the wake of a tragic accident, the City of Las Vegas has initiated new road safety measures aimed at protecting students near Arbor View High School. These improvements follow the death of McKenzie Scott, a student who was killed in a traffic crash. A recent traffic study confirmed that existing safety devices near the school were functioning properly, prompting the city to enhance pedestrian safety enhancements this summer.

Meanwhile, recent graduates from Sparks High School, Cecilia Gossett and Jayla Ramirez, have shared their experiences with Paiute language classes, which have allowed them to reconnect with their cultural heritage. Both students earned the new State Seal of Biliteracy in Northern Paiute, recognizing their proficiency in the language alongside English. This program, which acknowledges students who demonstrate high language proficiency, saw over 2,000 students earn the seal in the 2023-24 school year, primarily in Spanish.

The Nevada Department of Education has collaborated with local tribes to include Northern Paiute among the 57 languages that qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy. Furthermore, a grant of $1.2 million has been awarded to the Washoe County School District specifically for Northern Paiute language instruction at an elementary school located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation.

Significantly, the Job Corps program faces potential defunding, triggering a wave of bipartisan support from Nevada’s federal delegation as well as Governor Lombardo. The Job Corps program plays an essential role in providing low-income youth with employment opportunities and its closure would displace nearly 300 students and 170 staff members, potentially leading to homelessness for affected students. Leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties are urging the Trump administration to reconsider cuts that could dismantle this vital program, which has aided thousands of Nevadans in securing employment over the years.

As Nevada continues to navigate through these pressing educational issues, legislative, administrative, and community responses will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its school systems and support programs for students and families.