Education reform in Nevada remains divided as Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, a Democrat, proposes a bill focused on accountability and local control of the Clark County School District and charter schools. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo supports expanding school choice and converting underperforming schools into charter schools.
Cannizzaro’s proposal would allow local school boards to block new charter schools and remove superintendents if fewer than 30% of schools show academic growth. It also grants voting rights to previously non-voting Clark County School District trustees, requires charter teachers to be licensed, and reduces members of the State Public Charter School Authority with revised appointment criteria. Cannizzaro stated, “I want to stress that I believe charter schools are an important part of our educational system,” and, “I do believe that when we talk about accountability, we can actually talk about accountability for all schools that are public schools and publicly funded, and that’s why there are provisions in here that addresses some of those changes,” as reported by 8 News Now. The bill faces a possible veto by the governor. In contrast, Lombardo’s bill AB584 promotes converting failing schools to charter schools and allows public funds for private school tuition for students leaving underperforming schools.
Lombardo's education plan, introduced last week, sets rules for identifying low-performing school districts and schools, with possible outcomes including probation or state takeovers. The Nevada State Education Association criticized the plan, saying, "It’s punitive policymaking dressed as accountability, with no investment in what our schools actually need to improve," and expressed concern it could affect schools in poorer communities, according to The Nevada Independent. Legislators appear divided, with Senator Cannizzaro supporting a more controlled oversight approach and Lombardo advocating for expanded school choice. Both bills will be considered before the end of the school year.
