The Ed-Watch series is designed to increase access to information on what decisions
are being made regarding public education in Clark County and Nevada.
Washoe County School District Board of Trustees
What is the Board of Trustees & what are they responsible for? The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees are publicly elected decision-makers for the school district. They are responsible for providing oversight to the Superintendent and establishing District-wide policy. Trustees are accountable to work with their communities to improve student achievement.
Click here to learn more and see a list of current Trustees.
How often does the Board of Trustees meet? Trustees meet twice per month (second and fourth Tuesdays) at 2 pm both virtually and at the Central Administration Building Board Room, 425 E. 9th St., Reno, NV 89512.
Click here for a full list of Trustees meetings.
Can community members engage at Trustee meetings? Decision-making bodies benefit greatly from hearing public input and multiple perspectives. Currently, members of the public can submit comments on agenda and non-agenda items through email or voice recording. Public comment can be provided in person or via email. Email comments should be submitted to publiccomments@washoeschools.net.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Washoe County School District Board of Trustees Meeting
Click here to see the meeting agenda.
Watch the meeting playback.
What happened at this meeting?
Trustees Adopted a Resolution Honoring Veterans in the Washoe County School District
Trustees adopted Resolution 23-019 that honors veterans in the Washoe County School District.
Explore the resolution.
Trustees Received an Update from the Department of Defense Starbase Program
Starbase is a program sponsored by the Department of Defense for students (primarily fifth grade students in Title I schools) to participate in hands-on activities related to aviation, science, technology, engineering, math, and space exploration. Starbase High Sierra operates out of a facility on Reno Air National Guard’s Base, and served 631 students in the 2022-23 school year. The program has served 269 students to-date for the 2023-24 school year.
Explore the presentation.
Trustees Adopted a Resolution Recognizing November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month
Trustees adopted Resolution 23-020, recognizing November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month.
Explore the resolution.
Trustees Adopted a Resolution Recognizing National Apprenticeship Week and the Importance of Career and Technical Education
Trustees adopted Resolution 23-021, recognizing November 13- 19, 2023, as National Apprenticeship Week. The presentation also underscored the importance of career and technical education.
Explore the resolution.
Trustees Approved the Consent Agenda
Consent agenda highlights include:
- Approval to create a permanent risk management coordinator position
- Approval to purchase operational service and police vehicles
- Approval of the 2023-24 class size reduction plan
Explore the consent agenda here.
Trustees Accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
District staff, as well as representatives from the District’s contracted auditing firm, presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Highlights from the report and presentation include:
- No significant or adverse events require board attention in connection with the audit. The audit results are unmodified for both the financial statements and federal compliance.
- No reportable findings were identified for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
- There were no findings with respect to uniform guidance or statutory findings with respect to Nevada Revised Statutes.
Explore the presentation and the report.
Trustees Approved the Development of a Comprehensive Vaping Prevention Strategy
The Safe & Healthy Schools Commission presented its vaping prevention and intervention strategy for WCSD.
- Universal prevention measures include schools supporting a smoke-free environment, age-appropriate education, parent and family resources, and counselor and school support services.
- Interventions include targeted programs for high-risk students (may include substance abuse prevention classes, counseling, support groups, or additional education), monitoring where students often vape, and referrals to addiction counseling and treatment services.
- Needs identified by the Commission include reviewing policies, expanding preventing programming, considering mandatory health class for middle school, increased teacher training, parent workshops and whole family support, and expanding partnerships with community agencies.
Explore the presentation.
Trustees Approved Moving Forward with a Single Point of Entry and Secure Perimeter Pilot Projects, And the Installation of Security Film on Elementary and Middle School Main Entry Windows
Trustees approved a single point of entry and secure perimeter pilot projects at Robert McQueen High School, Damonte Ranch High School, and Sparks High School. Trustees also approved installing security film on elementary and middle school main entry windows. These were recommendations made by the Safe & Healthy Schools Commission.
Explore the presentation.
Trustees Adopted Changes to the Office of Talent and Professional Growth Systems
Trustees adopted changes to the Office of Talent and Professional Growth Systems associated with changes designed to improve services to schools. Proposed changes include a new Director of School Supports, various title changes, and eliminating two roles. The estimated cost is $330,293.
These changes will provide support for recruitment, hiring, and retention; one point of contact for talent-related concerns and questions; coaching and assistance; and real-time help with talent needs, including navigating the hiring process.
Explore the staff report, revised organizational chart, and the presentation.
Trustee Reports
Report highlights included:
- Participation in Veterans Day awards and events
- Attending school events and activities
- WCSD State of Education event
- Education Alliance of Washoe County event
- Council of Great City Schools conference
- Gratitude to staff members, fellow Trustees, families, and students
Superintendent’s Report
Report highlights included:
- Attending the College Board Forum in New York City and participating in a plenary session
- Gratitude for staff, students, and Trustees in delivering the State of Education event
- Several community presentations on the District’s strategic plan
- Celebrating scholar athletes
- Veterans Day activities at District schools
- Upcoming release of graduation rates from the Nevada Department of Education
Public Comment
- Concerns relating to student enrollment numbers, safety, and school quality
- Superintendent’s recent pay raise
- Concerns regarding Reid High School student behavior
- Concerns regarding literature available in school libraries
The next Meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
