Today, I joined hundreds of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders across Nevada in signing and submitting a petition urging Gov. Joe Lombardo to include school choice on the agenda for the upcoming special session.
These aren’t lobbyists or political insiders.
They’re everyday Nevadans who believe every child deserves a chance to learn in the environment that fits them best – whether that’s a public, private, charter, or homeschool program.
But here’s the thing: we’re talking about real choice, not the fake kind.
Not the “open enrollment” idea that just lets you pick a different public school in the same broken system.
That’s like what Henry Ford said about his Model T: “You can have any color you want — as long as it’s black.”
That’s not freedom. That’s a trap.
Real Freedom Means Real Options
Real educational freedom means families decide how and where their kids learn.
It means reviving Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and expanding Opportunity Scholarships, which allow parents to use their own tax dollars for schools that actually work for their children.
For thousands of families, these aren’t luxuries – they’re lifelines. Every year we stall is another year a kid stays stuck in a failing classroom.
That’s why I’m so grateful to everyone who signed my petition – parents, teachers, small-business owners, and taxpayers from all over Nevada.
Click here to read the full letter and signers
Together, we’re calling for real education freedom, not just more slogans.
The Political Reality
Now, I know what some will say: “The Democrats control both houses. Why waste time?”
Yes, it’s true. Democrats hold the majority in the Legislature, and they’ve blocked school choice for years.
But that’s exactly why Gov. Lombardo should put it on the special session agenda anyway. Because when lawmakers have to vote, they have to OWN that vote.
I know and understand that as a former conservative State Assemblywoman who was forced to go on record opposing all manner of “woke,” feel-good legislation put forward by the Democrat majority.
Tough votes on behalf of our constituents go with the territory. That’s why we’re called “representatives.”
If Democrats want to stand with the teachers’ union instead of Nevada’s parents, fine. But make them do it in the open.
Let voters see it. Let every family, every frustrated parent, and every taxpayer know exactly who’s keeping their kids trapped in underperforming schools.
Without a public recorded vote, the issue dies quietly in committee rooms. With one, it becomes a rallying cry in 2026.
Don’t Play It Safe, Governor
Governor Lombardo, you’ve done a lot of good for this state. You’ve supported law enforcement, helped small businesses, and brought steadiness back to government.
But leadership isn’t just about balance – it’s about boldness.
But today, you proudly announced an endorsement from the Clark County Education Association – the same teachers’ union that’s fought tooth and nail against real school choice.
You even “excitedly” celebrated it on X.
I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Clark County Education Association.
CCEA has partnered with me to deliver historic education funding, teacher raises, and unprecedented accountability reforms in our K-12 system.
I’m excited to continue our progress together! https://t.co/JFxyGnXU7C
— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) November 10, 2025
That worries me – and a lot of parents – because the same union backed Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders and it sends the wrong message.
It says the union’s approval matters more than the kids still waiting for a shot at a better education.
You promised to fight for school choice during your campaign. Now’s the time to prove it.
Nevada Kids Can’t Wait
This isn’t anti-teacher. Good teachers know one size doesn’t fit all.
It’s pro-student, pro-parent, and pro-freedom.
States like Arizona and Florida have shown what happens when you give families control: higher satisfaction, better performance, and more innovation.
Nevada can do it too – but only if our leaders have the courage to fight for it.
Governor, you can give voters a choice – just like we’re asking you to give parents one.
Put school choice on the special session agenda. Force a vote. Let every lawmaker go on record.
And when the campaign season rolls around, Nevadans will remember who stood with the unions – and who stood with their kids.
Because “education freedom” shouldn’t be just a hollow campaign slogan. It shouldn’t be all talk and no action. It should be something we fight tooth and nail for.
Our kids deserve nothing less.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
