Vice-President Hughs welcomed me onto the Board of Education. Words cannot express how thrilled and honored I am to serve Nevada’s students. I look forward to serving this next year as the Student Member!

Public Comment

• Sheburra A. Haugsness of the Academy of Universal Metaphysics submitted a written comment requesting the Board reevaluate the timing of the current high school science assessment, which is often administered at the end of 9th grade. She cited a consistent decline in pass rates and argued the assessment does not account for CTE completers, calling for alignment between student readiness and testing.

•  There was a comment on the Department of Education’s Efficiency Report, raising concerns about inconsistencies in qualitative and quantitative data collection. While acknowledging the report’s length (469 pages), he criticized its reliance on educational jargon and called for clearer communication. He urged the Board to ensure structural changes go beyond cosmetic reorganizations and genuinely improve support for Nevada students.

Board Member and Subcommittee Updates

• Vice President’s Report included updates from board members. Member Orr shared that the At-Risk Subcommittee met on June 12 to discuss factors impacting at-risk student performance and next steps for research.

• Updates were also shared from the Measurement and Accountability Subcommittee, which is continuing its work on assessment and accountability frameworks.

Interim Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Steve Canavero

Key Department Updates:

• Dr. Canavero praised the Dean’s Future Scholars Program at UNR for its success in bringing youth as early as 6th grade to a college campus.

• He shared highlights from a recent AI in Education Conference, underscoring the state’s commitment to innovative tools for teaching and learning.

• The Department is actively responding to the recent legislative session and the Efficiency Study by building internal work plans and reviewing funding guidance. The team is also preparing to support districts as they revise their budgets based on legislative outcomes.

Legislation Highlights:

• Senate Bill 81 aims to streamline agency operations and improve scholarship programs.

• Senate Bill 460 significantly impacts assessment systems, performance frameworks, and educator preparation. It introduces:

  • Tiered district accountability,

  • Flexibility for districts to select their Grade 3 reading assessment,

  • Revisions to educator and school performance frameworks,

  • Updates to K–8 standards in literacy and STEM,

  • Apprenticeship pathways, and

  • Creation of a public education oversight board (referred to as the Intermediate 

Performance Organization).

Assessment Update:

• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment has been extended for one year. The state is developing a cut score to allow districts the option to use MAP as their summative assessment.

• Washoe County is expected to be the first district to opt in during the 2025–26 school year due to their experience with double-testing.

• The state aims to provide a scalable, efficient system that supports local flexibility without compromising comparability.

Legislative Recap & Delta Academy Presentation

The Board received an initial legislative session recap and a presentation on Delta Academy, a school currently operating under Nevada’s Alternative Performance Framework. Additionally, the Board approved the renewal of private school licenses listed in the consent agenda.

NEPF Redesign Field Study – Year 1 Review

The Board heard from Kathryn Hoyt (EDLiFE) and Sue Moulden (Teachers and Leaders Council) regarding the Nevada Educator Performance Framework (NEPF) Redesign Field Study.

• 85 schools participated during the 2024–25 school year, piloting redesigned rubrics and tools.

• While final ratings and domain weightings remained the same, the scoring formula was simplified.

• Feedback emphasized the need for:

  • Training on evidence collection,

  • Clearer scoring justifications,

  • More instructional-aligned feedback.

Outcome: The NEPF Field Study will continue into 2025–26, with additional districts invited to participate. Expansion is intended to reduce paperwork, improve instructional quality, and provide meaningful evaluation tools.

Efficiency Study Presentation

Dr. Canavero presented the Efficiency Study initiated by former Superintendent Ebert. The study included:

• Department-wide engagement,

• Office-level recommendations,

• Consideration of staffing issues and communication barriers,

• A proposal to relocate staff to Reno to better support commuting employees.

Board members expressed the need for a concise summary that clarifies how recommendations will be implemented and impact the department. This report will be foundational for the incoming permanent superintendent.

State Testing Calendar

Mike Pacheco, from the Office of Assessment, reviewed the state testing calendar and assessment requirements under ESSA, including:

• Reading, writing, and math tests (grades 3–8),

• Science assessments (grades 5, 8, and high school),

• Minimum 120 instructional days prior to testing (per SB 75),

• Ongoing challenges with calendar variation and assessment timing.

The department is considering flexibility options to address concerns about over-testing and early testing dates before adequate instruction.

Nevada Ready Assessments & RFP Timeline

The Board received an in-depth overview of the upcoming procurement process for federally mandated Nevada summative assessments (grades 3–8, ELA/math; grades 5 and 8, science).

• Scope of Work & Evaluation Committee: The Board will contribute to the solicitation process and help shape selection criteria.

• Option Selected: The Board voted to co-lead the process with NDE, participating in working groups and providing input throughout the procurement timeline.

An alternative proposal to develop a Nevada-specific assessment aligned with local values (suggested by Member Ford) was noted but not adopted at this time. It will most likely be discussed in the future.

Superintendent Search Process Finalization

Tim Hughes, Board Vice President, led the discussion regarding the Superintendent of Public Instruction recruitment process. It was decided that the previous application process would be utilized, with a few additions. 

• Proposed by Member Ford, criteria  will now include:

  • Knowledge of Nevada,

  • Commitment to public education,

  • Community responsiveness,

  • Visionary leadership.

• Posting will launch July 1 and remain open for 20 days.

• The requirement to have been a classroom teacher was debated but not removed at this time.

• A full committee, rather than a subcommittee, will score applicants using a rubric to expedite the process.

You can find the meeting materials HERE, the agenda HERE, and the video recording HERE. The next meeting will be held on July 30th at 9 AM.