Students rally against SB 460 threatening charter schools in Nevada
May 19, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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In a spirited gathering at the Nevada State Legislature, students, parents, and educators voiced their passionate opposition to Senate Bill 460, a proposed legislation that could significantly impact charter schools and educational choice in the state. The Senate Committee on Education meeting on May 19, 2025, became a platform for heartfelt testimonies from young advocates, highlighting the importance of personalized education and the unique opportunities provided by charter schools.
Among the speakers was Kylah Kepler, a fourth grader from Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, who passionately argued against the bill, stating, “SB 460 would make it so that [teachers] would not receive the same raises. This is unfair.” Kylah emphasized the supportive environment at her school, where teachers are not just educators but friends who foster a love for learning. She warned that the bill could jeopardize essential programs like art and music, which are vital for a well-rounded education.
Colton Brown, another young advocate, shared his personal journey through the public education system, detailing how he found safety and success at a charter school after facing bullying in traditional settings. “Education is one size fits all,” he stated, underscoring the need for diverse educational options that cater to individual student needs. He expressed concern that SB 460 would threaten the Opportunity Scholarship, which has allowed many students to access schools that better fit their learning styles.
Fifth grader Hayes Kramer also spoke out, sharing how Doral Academy has transformed his educational experience. He highlighted the importance of special education programs and the risk of losing them if the bill passes. “Please don’t take away any of the opportunities that help students like me grow and succeed,” he urged the committee.
Parents echoed these sentiments, with Jill Douglass arguing that the bill limits parental rights and undermines the choice that many families in Nevada support. She pointed out that over half of the states in America have embraced school choice, allowing parents to select the best educational environment for their children. “This is not reform; this is regression,” she declared, calling for a vote against the bill.
Daniel Reyes, a first-generation college graduate, shared his own struggles in public school and how the Nevada Opportunity Scholarship changed his life. He warned that SB 460 could jeopardize access to educational options for low-income families, stating, “Please don’t take away the opportunities that help students like me turn their lives around.”
As the meeting concluded, the voices of these young advocates and their supporters painted a vivid picture of the stakes involved in the debate over SB 460. Their testimonies underscored a collective desire for educational environments that nurture individual strengths and foster a love for learning, leaving the committee with a clear message: the future of Nevada’s students depends on the choices available to them.
Among the speakers was Kylah Kepler, a fourth grader from Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, who passionately argued against the bill, stating, “SB 460 would make it so that [teachers] would not receive the same raises. This is unfair.” Kylah emphasized the supportive environment at her school, where teachers are not just educators but friends who foster a love for learning. She warned that the bill could jeopardize essential programs like art and music, which are vital for a well-rounded education.
Colton Brown, another young advocate, shared his personal journey through the public education system, detailing how he found safety and success at a charter school after facing bullying in traditional settings. “Education is one size fits all,” he stated, underscoring the need for diverse educational options that cater to individual student needs. He expressed concern that SB 460 would threaten the Opportunity Scholarship, which has allowed many students to access schools that better fit their learning styles.
Fifth grader Hayes Kramer also spoke out, sharing how Doral Academy has transformed his educational experience. He highlighted the importance of special education programs and the risk of losing them if the bill passes. “Please don’t take away any of the opportunities that help students like me grow and succeed,” he urged the committee.
Parents echoed these sentiments, with Jill Douglass arguing that the bill limits parental rights and undermines the choice that many families in Nevada support. She pointed out that over half of the states in America have embraced school choice, allowing parents to select the best educational environment for their children. “This is not reform; this is regression,” she declared, calling for a vote against the bill.
Daniel Reyes, a first-generation college graduate, shared his own struggles in public school and how the Nevada Opportunity Scholarship changed his life. He warned that SB 460 could jeopardize access to educational options for low-income families, stating, “Please don’t take away the opportunities that help students like me turn their lives around.”
As the meeting concluded, the voices of these young advocates and their supporters painted a vivid picture of the stakes involved in the debate over SB 460. Their testimonies underscored a collective desire for educational environments that nurture individual strengths and foster a love for learning, leaving the committee with a clear message: the future of Nevada’s students depends on the choices available to them.
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