Let’s face it—public education in Nevada could use a little help. Parents are frustrated. Teachers are overworked. Kids aren’t getting the education they deserve.
That’s why today’s announcement from Governor Joe Lombardo is good news for a lot of Nevadans.
Governor Lombardo just named Steve Canavero as the Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction, and he’ll officially step into the role on April 14, 2025.
If that name rings a bell, it’s because Canavero has been here before.
Who Is Steve Canavero?
Steve Canavero isn’t new to this. He’s actually been Nevada’s Superintendent of Public Instruction once already, from 2016 to 2019 under Governor Brian Sandoval.
Before that, he served as Deputy Superintendent for Student Achievement and helped lead Nevada’s charter school efforts as the Founding Executive Director of the State Public School Charter Authority.
Translation?
He’s been in the trenches, he knows the system, and he’s worked hard to give Nevada families more school options—especially through charter schools.
In his own words, Canavero said, “I look forward to supporting Governor Lombardo, Nevada Department of Education, and State Board during this important time.”
That’s a good sign. Because right now, our schools are at a crossroads.
Why This Matters
You don’t have to be an expert to see Nevada’s public schools are struggling.
Just last year, a report from WalletHub ranked Nevada 49th out of 51 (including D.C.) for public education. Only New Mexico fared worse.
We’re talking about real problems here—low reading scores, crowded classrooms, and students falling behind in math.
It’s not just numbers on a page. It’s our kids, our grandkids, and our future workforce.
Governor Lombardo is trying to turn things around. Appointing Canavero is part of that plan.
“It’s a privilege to appoint Steve Canavero as our interim Superintendent of Public Instruction,” Lombardo said. “With decades of experience, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to guide our education system through this vital transition.”
And that transition could mean big changes.
A Second Chance for Reform
When Canavero was in office before, he pushed for giving families more choices—especially through charter schools.
These schools are public, but they don’t always follow the same rules as traditional ones. That flexibility lets them try new things, like longer school days or different teaching styles.
And studies show charter schools can work.
A 2023 study from Stanford University’s CREDO Center found that students in charter schools gained the equivalent of 16 additional days of learning in reading and 6 days in math compared to their peers in traditional public schools.
That’s not just progress—it’s potential. And that’s what Canavero helped build during his last time in office.
Not Everyone’s on Board
Of course, not everybody’s cheering. Some critics say appointing a former superintendent is just more of the same. They argue that Nevada needs fresh ideas, not someone from the past.
Others worry about charter schools “taking money away” from traditional public schools.
But here’s the thing—parents aren’t asking for one-size-fits-all solutions. They’re asking for options. And Canavero has a record of helping make that happen.
Besides, if the current system isn’t working for thousands of students, isn’t it time to try something different?
What Comes Next?
This is an “interim” appointment, which means Canavero won’t be in the job forever. But his experience and track record suggest he’ll hit the ground running—and that could set the stage for real reform.
It also gives Governor Lombardo time to find the right long-term leader for Nevada’s schools.
In the meantime, bringing back someone who knows the ropes might be the best way to keep things steady while still pushing for change.
Bottom Line
Politics aside, most of us want the same thing—we want kids to get a good education. We want teachers to be supported. And we want parents to have a say in what works best for their families.
Steve Canavero might not have all the answers, but he brings experience, a history of school choice advocacy, and a proven commitment to improving education in our state.
And right now, that’s a pretty good place to start.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
