Educators advocate for Senate Bill 460 to ensure accountability in Clark County schools
May 19, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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Senate Bill 460, known as the Educate Act, took center stage at the Nevada Senate Committee on Education meeting, with educators passionately advocating for enhanced accountability in the Clark County School District (CCSD).
Matt Nyswonger, vice president of the Classroom Teachers Association (CCA), emphasized the urgent need for the bill, stating that teachers are frustrated with the current system that allows students to advance without mastering essential skills. "Elementary teachers don't want to send students to middle school who can't read," he asserted, calling for clear proficiency goals and the necessary resources to achieve them. Nyswonger urged lawmakers to hold CCSD accountable, insisting that without legislative mandates, the district has shown little commitment to improving student outcomes.
Special education teacher Galdina Griego echoed these sentiments, highlighting a recent failure in CCSD to distribute funds intended for educator compensation. This delay not only affected current teachers but also hindered recruitment efforts, ultimately impacting students. "SB 460's establishment of state intervention authority would help prevent such instances," Griego stated, advocating for timely oversight to ensure that legislative intentions are met.
Erica Jackson, an elementary teacher at a Title 1 school, focused on the bill's provision for three-year improvement plans for underperforming schools. She argued that this structured approach is crucial for meaningful change, requiring schools to develop detailed strategies for academic progress and face consequences for failing to meet their goals. "This ensures that underperformance is not simply tolerated," Jackson noted, reinforcing the bill's commitment to sustained improvement.
The discussions surrounding SB 460 reflect a growing consensus among educators that accountability measures are essential for enhancing educational outcomes in Nevada. As the committee considers the bill, the voices of teachers underscore the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.
Matt Nyswonger, vice president of the Classroom Teachers Association (CCA), emphasized the urgent need for the bill, stating that teachers are frustrated with the current system that allows students to advance without mastering essential skills. "Elementary teachers don't want to send students to middle school who can't read," he asserted, calling for clear proficiency goals and the necessary resources to achieve them. Nyswonger urged lawmakers to hold CCSD accountable, insisting that without legislative mandates, the district has shown little commitment to improving student outcomes.
Special education teacher Galdina Griego echoed these sentiments, highlighting a recent failure in CCSD to distribute funds intended for educator compensation. This delay not only affected current teachers but also hindered recruitment efforts, ultimately impacting students. "SB 460's establishment of state intervention authority would help prevent such instances," Griego stated, advocating for timely oversight to ensure that legislative intentions are met.
Erica Jackson, an elementary teacher at a Title 1 school, focused on the bill's provision for three-year improvement plans for underperforming schools. She argued that this structured approach is crucial for meaningful change, requiring schools to develop detailed strategies for academic progress and face consequences for failing to meet their goals. "This ensures that underperformance is not simply tolerated," Jackson noted, reinforcing the bill's commitment to sustained improvement.
The discussions surrounding SB 460 reflect a growing consensus among educators that accountability measures are essential for enhancing educational outcomes in Nevada. As the committee considers the bill, the voices of teachers underscore the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.
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