Another legislative session has come and gone in Carson City – and once again, low-income and minority families hoping for a better shot at education were left out in the cold.
“Instead of expanding educational opportunities,” wrote school choice leader Valeria Gurr to supporters this morning, “the legislature prioritized other education-related initiatives, leaving private school choice off the table.”
Despite thousands of parents, grandparents, and community leaders speaking up, the Nevada Legislature refused to expand funding for the Opportunity Scholarship program.
That means the cap stays put at just $6.6 million, covering about 1,600 students. That’s it. And here’s the kicker – it’s already full.
So what does that mean?
It means hundreds (if not thousands) of kids stuck in failing public schools have no real way out. No scholarship. No choice. Just more of the same.
Lawmakers had two real chances to fix this. Assembly Bills 599 and 584 both could’ve opened the door to more private school scholarships and options for students in underperforming public schools.
But instead of acting, they dragged their feet. And in the final hours? Both bills failed.
As a result, families who’ve been praying for another path forward are stuck waiting – again – for a system that keeps letting them down.
And it’s not like the Legislature didn’t spend money on education. They absolutely did.
But instead of putting new dollars toward proven alternatives like school choice, they focused on public school programs and administrative expansions.
That might sound fine in theory – but when public schools continue to fall behind, why double down on what’s not working?
Let’s be honest: if you had a car that kept breaking down, would you keep pouring money into repairs – or finally look at getting a different ride?
To be fair, lawmakers did pass something called “open enrollment,” which sounds like school choice.
It lets students transfer to other public schools outside their assigned zones. But there’s a big catch: school districts can still set limits that keep kids out.
“While the Legislature did pass open enrollment,” wrote Gurr, “the policy’s potential is often undermined by district-imposed barriers that restrict access, leaving countless families without meaningful or practical alternatives.”
Whether it’s through application windows, transportation barriers, or “capacity” excuses, many families won’t be able to take advantage of it.
It’s like offering someone a life raft, then locking the paddle in a storage closet.
It’s easy for lawmakers to sit in hearing rooms and talk policy. But on the ground, this is about real families. Kids who just need a safe, challenging school where they can succeed.
They’re not asking for luxury. They just want a chance. And right now, the system is stacked against them.
The Opportunity Scholarship program does work. Studies show that it increases student achievement and parental satisfaction.
And according to the American Federation for Children, over 70% of parents nationwide support school choice options – including scholarships, charters, and education savings accounts.
So why isn’t Nevada keeping up?
The good news? The fight isn’t over. Far from it.
Efforts are now ramping up at the national level to push school choice policies that would apply in every state.
That means even if Nevada lawmakers won’t act, help might be on the way from Congress or the courts.
As one advocate put it: “We’re not giving up. Every child deserves the chance to learn in an environment that fits their needs – not one dictated by their zip code.”
If you’re reading this and feeling frustrated—good. That means you care. And that’s the first step.
Here’s what you can do:
- Call your legislators. Let them know school choice matters to you and your family.
- Support local school choice groups. Many are working year-round to change the laws and fight the red tape.
- Talk to your neighbors. Most people don’t even realize how limited the options are until it affects them directly.
And most importantly – don’t lose hope. Change doesn’t come easy, but it does come when enough people demand it.
“Rest assured, we will not stop fighting,” Gurr declared. “Our commitment remains steadfast: to advocate for meaningful policies that empower families and give every child the opportunity to thrive in the learning environment that best suits their needs.”
Nevada had the chance to do something bold. Something right. Something that would’ve helped the kids who need it most.
Instead, the Legislature chose the status quo.
But that doesn’t mean we stop fighting. Because when it comes to our kids, we can’t afford to quit.
Not now. Not ever.
