Big Government Coming for Your Schools
Democrats in Nevada just dropped a bill that has parents and school choice supporters worried. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro introduced a plan that would give government officials more power over both charter schools and the Clark County School District.
The bill lets local school boards block new charter schools from opening their doors. Think about that – a group of officials could stop parents from having more choices for their kids’ education.
Jill Douglas spoke out against the bill:
“I rise in strong opposition to SB460 because it limits parental rights—the fundamental right of parents to choose the best learning environment for their children—at a time when Nevadans overwhelmingly support school choice,”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This isn’t just about schools. It’s about who gets to make the decisions – parents or government officials.
Charter schools are popular in Nevada. They’re now the second-largest school system in the state, right behind Clark County School District. Parents choose these schools because they work better for their children.
The Democrats’ bill would make charter schools jump through more hoops. All charter teachers would need licenses or endorsements. Right now, they only need 80% of teachers to have these credentials. This means fewer qualified people could teach at charter schools.
The bill would also shrink the State Public Charter School Authority from 11 members to nine and change who gets picked to serve. This looks like an attempt to get more control over an independent group.
Bigger Government, Fewer Choices
Cannizzaro claims she believes charter schools are “an important part of our educational system.” But her bill suggests otherwise. It puts more rules and roadblocks in the way of school choice.
The proposal also gives the state Department of Education power to fire superintendents if 30% of schools don’t show “academic growth.” Sounds good until you realize this puts more power in the hands of state bureaucrats instead of local communities.
Governor Lombardo’s Better Approach
Republican Governor Joe Lombardo has his own education bill that takes a completely different approach. Instead of more government control, his plan would transform failing public schools into charter schools. This gives struggling schools a chance to try something new that might work better.
Lombardo revealed his Nevada Accountability in Education Act (A.B. 584) at Pinecrest Academy, a successful charter school in Henderson.
His message was clear: no Nevada student “should be trapped in a failing school because of their ZIP code or held back because of how much their parents or guardians make.”
Lombardo said:
“This isn’t just a policy goal, this is my commitment to you and to every one of these kids seated here today and throughout our entire districts, throughout the state.”
What’s Actually in Lombardo’s Bill
While Democrats want to block charter schools, Lombardo’s plan would:
- Create true open enrollment so students can attend better schools
- Provide transportation for students stuck in low-performing schools
- Increase charter school funding by $17 million over two years
- Give $28 million to ensure charter school teachers get raises
- Create a bonus fund for high-performing teachers
- Invest $1 million annually so parents can access literacy services
Unlike the Democrats’ bill that gives government officials more power, Lombardo’s plan trusts parents to make the best choices for their children.
What Happens Next?
The Cannizzaro bill had its first hearing Monday before the Senate Education Committee. Lombardo’s bill gets a hearing on Tuesday.
If the Democrats’ bill passes, Governor Lombardo might veto it. He understands that parents, not bureaucrats, should decide what’s best for children’s education.
What You Can Do
If you believe in school choice and limited government, this is the time to speak up:
- Call your state representatives and tell them to oppose SB460.
- Support Governor Lombardo’s education plan, which respects parental rights.
- Talk to other parents about why school choice matters.
- Attend school board meetings to make your voice heard.
Senator Fabian Doñate, a Democrat from Clark County, admitted getting “plenty of emails for and against” the bill. He noted concerns about whether the requirements for charter schools are fair. This shows your voice can make a difference.
The battle for who controls education in Nevada is heating up. It’s not just about schools – it’s about whether we trust families or government officials to make the best choices for our children.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
