A New Day for Nevada Schools
Governor Joe Lombardo just laid out a plan that could change how schools work in Nevada. Friday, speaking at Pinecrest Academy in Henderson, he unvieled what he calls the “Accountability in Education Act.”
The plan aims to fix problems in Nevada’s schools by giving more power to parents and holding school leaders responsible when students don’t learn.
“All of the students in the front here are students that are currently utilizing opportunity scholarships,” Lombardo said during his announcement. “Through these scholarships, these students are able to attend the schools that best meet their needs and the needs of their families.”
Today, I introduced the Accountability in Education Act because Nevada students deserve better.
Our bill rewards great teachers, demands real accountability, and gives families and students unprecedented choice. pic.twitter.com/mAthZs5Unc
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) April 25, 2025
Why This Matters to Freedom-Loving Nevadans
If you believe parents should have more say in their children’s education, Governor Lombardo’s plan might sound like a breath of fresh air. The governor has made it clear he thinks the current system isn’t working.
“Are we satisfied with the status quo that results in our education system year after year bouncing near the bottom of national metrics? I know I’m not,” Lombardo said during his State of the State address earlier this year.
His plan focuses on what many conservatives have long championed: more choice for families, better opportunities for students in struggling schools, and holding school officials accountable when students don’t learn.
What’s Actually in the Bill
The Nevada Accountability in Education Act contains several key provisions that would change how education works in our state:
The bill establishes an “Excellence in Education Fund” to reward high-performing teachers and administrators. This fund would draw from any surplus in the state’s Education Stabilization Account, with a cap of about $30 million per year.
A major component is expanding open enrollment policies, making it easier for students to attend schools outside their assigned zones. The bill increases transportation funding to help students actually get to their school of choice, with $17 million allocated for charter school transportation over the next two years.
For parents concerned about literacy, the act allocates $1 million annually so families can access state-approved reading services for their children. It also requires teacher preparation programs to integrate the Science of Reading approach, which emphasizes phonics and vocabulary building.
The bill also introduces stronger accountability measures for schools that consistently underperform, giving parents more options when their neighborhood school isn’t meeting standards.
Dr. Valeria Gurr from School Choice Now spoke in support of the Act:
WATCH: Dr. @ValeriaGurr from @SchoolChoiceNow speaks in support of Governor @JoeLombardoNV‘s Accountability in Education Act ⬇️ #NVleg #NVgov pic.twitter.com/5LV3HzggXk
— Nevada War Room – Better NV PAC (@BetterNevadaPAC) April 25, 2025
No More Excuses for Poor Performance
After providing historic levels of funding to Nevada schools in 2023, Lombardo isn’t accepting the usual excuses anymore.
He has emphasized that lawmakers can no longer accept funding shortages as excuses for underperformance. His Accountability in Education Act will enforce stricter accountability, equity, and high performance across school, district, and board levels.
For taxpayers who want to see results from their investment in education, this focus on accountability makes sense. Why keep pouring money into a system that isn’t delivering results?
What the Opposition Is Saying
Not everyone is on board with the governor’s vision. The Nevada State Education Association, which represents teachers statewide (except in Clark County), has expressed concerns.
They point out that even with recent investments, Nevada still spends about $4,000 less per student than the national average. Their president, Dawn Etcheverry, has argued against diverting taxpayer money to what she calls “private interests.”
Democratic lawmakers have also signaled they’ll resist parts of the plan, particularly those related to school choice.
What You Can Do
If you support giving parents more choices and holding schools accountable, here are some simple steps you can take:
- Contact your state representatives and tell them you support the Nevada Accountability in Education Act.
- Attend local school board meetings to voice your support for accountability measures.
- Talk with other parents about school choice options and how they might benefit your community.
- Share your own experiences with Nevada schools, good or bad, with decision-makers.
The fight for better schools isn’t just about policy—it’s about making sure every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of where they live or how much their parents earn.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
