(Nicole Maroe) – As a mom, all I’ve ever wanted is for my son to have the best shot at a good education.
That’s why we chose a public charter school. It’s not fancy. It’s not political. It’s just a school that finally fits my child’s needs.
But now, Nevada state lawmakers in Carson City are pushing Senate Bill 460 – and let me tell you, it’s bad news for families like mine.
This bill doesn’t just tweak a few things here and there. It’s a full-on attack on the very schools that so many of us have come to rely on.
Let me break it down as simply as I can:
SB460 gives more power to local school districts to block new charter schools.
That means if your local school board doesn’t like the idea of a new charter opening up – maybe because they see it as competition – they can say no.
Even if families are begging for better options.
It’s like a grocery store monopoly.
Imagine if the only store in town was overpriced and understocked, and someone tried to open a new one with better prices and fresh food – but the first store got to vote on whether the new one could open.
That’s what SB460 does to education.
Right now, over 70,000 Nevada students attend public charter schools. That’s not some fringe experiment – that’s thousands of real families, just like mine, who are making thoughtful choices about their kids’ future.
And it’s working.
Charter schools across the state are delivering strong academic results, especially in communities where traditional schools have fallen short.
But instead of growing what’s working, this bill would slow charter school expansion to a crawl, all in the name of “oversight.”
Let’s be real: SB460 isn’t about helping kids. It’s about control.
It would pack the State Public Charter School Authority board with more district-affiliated members, giving traditional systems even more say over schools they already compete with.
The hearing for SB460 is scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 1:00 PM, and lawmakers need to hear directly from families who will be impacted.
You don’t have to be a policy expert or know all the legal lingo. Just tell your story.
Why did you choose a charter school? What has it meant for your child?
Even a quick email makes a difference. Here’s what you can do:
✅ Submit your opposition on the official legislative site (NELIS): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS
✅ Send your comments to: SenED@sen.state.nv.us and nicole.cannizzaro@sen.state.nv.us
✅ Use the subject line: Public Comment – SB460
✅ Call in and testify: (888) 475-4499, Meeting ID: 818 1370 6175
And if you’re a social media person, thank Governor Lombardo for supporting charter schools by tagging him and using #ChartersToo.
You can also send him a direct thank-you note here: https://gov.nv.gov/Forms/Share/
Legislators, we’re not asking for special treatment. We’re just asking to be included.
Public charter schools are public schools. Our teachers deserve equal pay. Our students deserve equal respect. And parents deserve the freedom to choose what’s best for their families.
SB460 is trying to take that choice away. Let’s not let it happen.
Ms. Monroe writes from Las Vegas, Nevada. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
