Vision through our Voices

Starting our April meeting we went right into the topic of later school start times. This topic has been thoroughly discussed these past few months and the public comment highlighted why we should have later start times. These points included fewer tardies and higher grades. They had suggested that we should start no earlier than 8 AM and due to the pandemic, school shootings, and social media pressures having a difficult sleep schedule due to these time constrictions don’t help the students. The second public comment consisted of another heavy student topic regarding our CCR (College and Career Ready) Test for the Class of 2025. Hopes are that the state keeps the same parameters we have now while having a test that continues to truly help our students applying for college or going straight to the workforce. 

Following public comment we went into the President’s Report. President Felicia Ortiz expressed two important opportunities involving our students of Nevada. The last School Start Times Workshop was on April 15 at Desert Pines High School, and she personally wanted to thank all of the students who sent in public comments for this workshop. The next step is that the State Board of Education will approve the tentative start time schedules that the districts propose and set guard rails saying, “We can’t start before … time”.  Following this, the Board can ask for a legislative bill for authority. She also brought up Portrait of a Learner where there will be further parent, student, and community member participation and they will continue to keep their eyes and ears open for what a “Portrait of a Learner” really is. For our students that are participating, we hope that you all come out with soft skills, communication, empathy, etc. Thank you to those who are participating in this project! 

Representation

Next, we discussed the 82nd Legislative Session Update. Assembly Bill 241, requires high school pupils to enroll in courses that satisfy the CCR Diploma. Having this opportunity provides students to start on an even playing field giving them the choice of how they want to shape their lives and it won’t be forged by the adults. This Bill had overwhelming support and testimony from President Ortiz, Member Hughes, Member Hudson, and myself. Along with this update, we had a short segment on Bill 386.01 & 420 which affects class sizes and the possibility of splitting CCSD. This meeting will take place in the upcoming month. 

Board Meetings

If you’d like to keep track of what is going on our Agenda and Items will be posted 2 weeks before our meetings so that community members and stakeholders can review all materials in advance. The Board had decided to hold the Board of Education Meetings on Wednesdays at 2 PM, with the exception of the summer months (June and July) which will be on Wednesdays but will start at 9 AM. 

The Month of the Military Child and Purple Star Program

Last but certainly not least we ended the meeting with a presentation on the Purple Star Program in the State. April is the official Month of the Military Child, and Purple Star Schools show the importance that all students have access to effective educators that provide understanding to military children. This mission of the Month of the Military Child began in 1986 and has gotten stronger in Nevada ever since. The color purple symbolizes “Joint”. Military children can experience academic and social difficulties and these schools are designed to help and cater to this and keep them on track for college and career readiness. Their mission is to cultivate and communicate cultural diversity. More information can be found in this slide presentation! 

The entire meeting materials can be found HERE. The next State Board of Education meeting will take place on June 14th, 2023. Thank you, NASC! It has been my absolute privilege to be able to serve you guys as your SMBOE. Huge congratulations to our 2023-2024 SMBOE, Michael Keyes!