Senator Scheibel advocates $1M for Communities and Schools of Nevada support services
May 31, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 31, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 135, which proposes a $1 million appropriation to Communities and Schools of Nevada (CIS). This funding aims to enhance integrated student support services, often referred to as wraparound services, designed to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students facing significant challenges.
State Senator Melanie Scheibel, representing District 9, presented the bill, emphasizing the critical role these services play in helping students stay in school and graduate. The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased academic engagement. A 2022 report highlighted a decline in high school graduation rates across at least 20 states following disruptions caused by the pandemic, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges.
Senator Scheibel pointed out that the CIS program has demonstrated a strong return on investment, with nearly $12 returned for every dollar spent. It is the only evidence-based model of integrated student support services approved by the Nevada Department of Education, meeting the rigorous standards set by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The program currently operates in over 118 schools across four districts—Clark, Elko, Humboldt, and Washoe—serving more than 100,000 students. Notably, CIS students have achieved a 97 percent graduation rate, with 99 percent of students in grades K-11 promoted to the next grade.
Despite these successes, there remains a pressing need to expand services to more schools and counties, with aspirations to reach all 17 counties in Nevada. Following Senator Scheibel's presentation, Tammy Hans Lehr, the Chief Executive Officer of CIS, was invited to provide further insights into the program and the bill's implications.
The discussions during this meeting highlight the ongoing commitment of Nevada's legislature to address educational disparities and support student success, particularly in the wake of challenges intensified by the pandemic. As the committee deliberates on SB 135, the potential for expanded support services could significantly impact the educational landscape in Nevada, fostering a more equitable environment for all students.
State Senator Melanie Scheibel, representing District 9, presented the bill, emphasizing the critical role these services play in helping students stay in school and graduate. The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased academic engagement. A 2022 report highlighted a decline in high school graduation rates across at least 20 states following disruptions caused by the pandemic, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges.
Senator Scheibel pointed out that the CIS program has demonstrated a strong return on investment, with nearly $12 returned for every dollar spent. It is the only evidence-based model of integrated student support services approved by the Nevada Department of Education, meeting the rigorous standards set by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The program currently operates in over 118 schools across four districts—Clark, Elko, Humboldt, and Washoe—serving more than 100,000 students. Notably, CIS students have achieved a 97 percent graduation rate, with 99 percent of students in grades K-11 promoted to the next grade.
Despite these successes, there remains a pressing need to expand services to more schools and counties, with aspirations to reach all 17 counties in Nevada. Following Senator Scheibel's presentation, Tammy Hans Lehr, the Chief Executive Officer of CIS, was invited to provide further insights into the program and the bill's implications.
The discussions during this meeting highlight the ongoing commitment of Nevada's legislature to address educational disparities and support student success, particularly in the wake of challenges intensified by the pandemic. As the committee deliberates on SB 135, the potential for expanded support services could significantly impact the educational landscape in Nevada, fostering a more equitable environment for all students.
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