The North Las Vegas City Council held a special meeting on June 25, 2025, focusing on the evaluation of applications for new charter schools. The meeting addressed the applications from Purpose Leadership Academy (PLA) and NECA Academy, with discussions centered on the evaluation criteria and the outcomes of the applications.

The meeting began with a review of the application process, highlighting that there are four categories for evaluation, although one section was deemed inapplicable. It was noted that if three out of four sections were rated as "meets," a recommendation could still be made, even if the remaining sections did not fully meet the standards. However, the approved applicants are not permitted to operate immediately; they must adhere to a structured planning year that includes specific expectations and a contracting process. Failure to meet these conditions could result in the city revoking the charter or delaying the school's opening.

Following this overview, Mr. Leondres from Purpose Leadership Academy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present and emphasized the academy's commitment to serving the students of North Las Vegas. He indicated readiness to provide any additional information required for the application process.

The staff then presented their evaluation outcomes, indicating that PLA's application met the standard in one area, approached the standard in two areas, and did not meet the standard in another. Consequently, staff recommended denying PLA's application based on these findings.

Council members acknowledged the efforts of both PLA and NECA Academy in their applications and expressed appreciation for the thorough evaluation conducted by the education department. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the hard work involved in reviewing the applications and ensuring a fair process.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored the importance of maintaining high standards in educational applications while also supporting the development of new educational opportunities in the community. Further steps regarding the applications will be determined following the council's recommendations.