Author: Justin Scanson

The Clark County School District is preparing to submit a competitive proposal to the Nevada Department of Education to expand the Title IV, Part B Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program. Planning for the specifics of program implementation is ongoing and student, parent/guardian, and community input is encouraged. The public may contact Brianna Mills, director, at (702) 799-3346 or send an email to millsb@nv.ccsd.net for additional information. The grant application must be submitted by April 11, 2025. If awarded, this federally-funded grant will expand afterschool programming that provides students with evidence-based academic and enrichment opportunities. Activities…

Two CCSD schools, Richard C. Priest Elementary School and Advanced Technologies Academy, recently earned the highest achievement for a school counseling program. The American School Counselor Association recognized each school as a Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP). The big picture: CCSD Guidance and Counseling Director Monica Martin noted that the RAMP award is a national recognition and a five-year designation for schools with outstanding comprehensive counseling programs. Why it matters: “Working as a school counseling team involves collaboration to support the academic, emotional, and social well-being of students,” said Leighanne Mainguy, a Priest Elementary School counselor. Each counselor brings unique strengths…

The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees selected Jhone Ebert as the next Superintendent of CCSD. The decision was made during the March 13 Board meeting following a nationwide search conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. Ebert, a longtime Clark County resident and former CCSD educator, brings more than 30 years of experience in K-12 education, policy, and administration. She currently serves as Nevada’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, overseeing the academic success of nearly 500,000 students across 17 school districts. Since her appointment in 2019 and reappointment in 2023, Ebert has led major initiatives to strengthen Nevada’s…

The CCSD Academic Support and Community Service Center provides free tutoring resources for elementary, middle, and high school students. The center’s tutoring is provided by licensed CCSD educators in all core curriculum areas, including ACT/SAT prep. Noteworthy: The center, which is adjacent to Advanced Technologies Academy, is the only one of its kind in CCSD that reaches students in all grade levels. The tutoring hours are 2:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The big picture: Paris Hill, the center’s coordinator, said schools are the primary educators of students, but the center helps bridge that gap for kids throughout CCSD who might…

Best Buddies is changing lives across Clark County School District (CCSD) by fostering friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With 34 active chapters and nearly 900 participants, this program creates a more inclusive school environment—one friendship at a time. Why It Matters Students in Best Buddies gain confidence, self-esteem, and social skills while forming meaningful connections with their peers. The program helps break barriers, ensuring that all students feel valued and included. “The happiest moments of my teaching career have been when I sit back and watch the magic happen—two people from different worlds connecting,…

The Power of Teacher Lawmakers What happens when educators bring their classroom insights to the Nevada Legislature? You get policymakers uniquely understanding the state education system’s challenges and opportunities. CCSD boasts dedicated teachers and principals who not only shape young minds but also craft state policy. These teacher lawmakers, including Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva, Senator Shelly Cruz-Crawford, and Assemblymember Brittney Miller, are making strides in education policy, prioritizing student success and teacher support. Classroom Experience Meets Policy Expertise Nevada’s education system faces unique challenges, from funding disparities to growing class sizes. Many of these obstacles require nuanced solutions that only those…

For students at Rancho High School, the journey to becoming a teacher starts long before college. As part of the Teacher Academy College Pathway Program (TACPP), students gain hands-on classroom experience, mentorship, and college credit—all while still in high school. This initiative, created by the Nevada Legislature and supported by the Nevada Department of Education, is designed to address the state’s teacher shortage by creating a clear, structured pathway into the profession. With over 300 students enrolled, Rancho’s program is preparing the next generation of educators for CCSD classrooms. Hands-On Experience in the Classroom One of the hallmarks of TACPP…

The Clark County School District (CCSD) is inviting community members to attend a series of meetings on February 10, 11, and 12, 2025, to learn about and provide feedback on the District’s recommendation for a new high school in the southwest. As part of its commitment to student success and responsible resource management, CCSD is proposing that the planned high school be a Career and Technical Academy (CTA) with a focus on entrepreneurship. The school would provide 1,500 seats and offer students hands-on learning experiences, business development skills, and career-focused pathways to prepare them for success in an evolving workforce.…

The United States and Nevada Constitutions entitle Nevada’s children to a free appropriate public education. In addition, NRS 388.132 requires school districts to provide “a safe and respectful learning environment in which persons of differing beliefs, races, colors, national origins, ancestries, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, physical or mental disabilities, sexes or any other distinguishing characteristics or backgrounds can realize their full academic and personal potential.”  In alignment with NRS 388.132, Clark County School District Policy 5138 prescribes, “The Clark County School District is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students, including…

Please refer to the attached memo from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, dated January 27, 2025. Please know that the District is working closely with the Nevada Department of Education. We will continue to monitor the recent temporary pause of federal funding, including agency grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. The District, like other school districts, state and local agencies, and organizations across the country, awaits further clarity on the language contained in the memo from the Office of Management and Budget. Based on current information, we do not anticipate an immediate interruption…