CCSD Board of School Trustees meeting recap, May 14

Agenda Item 5.01 – Council of the Great City Schools review of special education

The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of School Trustees received a report on the findings of the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) review of special education services in CCSD. In the report, the CGCS provided observations that outline areas of strength, opportunities for improvement, and recommendations.

The CGCS report noted that CCSD faces many challenges related to Nevada’s current per-pupil funding level of $9,185 per pupil which is well below the nation’s average of $12,756. The report recognized the newly established state funding formula that will include weighted funding for English learners, special education, and other educational needs but noted the plan does not include any additional funding and will not go into effect for two years.

The report found academic performance among students with disabilities compared favorably with similar students in large city school districts nationwide in reading and math at the fourth-grade level. The CGCS team also noted the wide variety of programming available to students compared to other school systems the Council has studied. The CGCS report referenced increasing graduation rates among students with disabilities as well as an increase in the number of positive behavior programs that have led to a decrease in suspensions.

“The Council of the Great City Schools report highlights the need for a coherent curriculum and expectations that provide an equitable education for all students,” Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara said. “This report stresses the need for a unified approach to special and general education, and the need to provide the necessary instructional tools and staffing levels to give our children the quality education they deserve and need. We are thankful for the hard work of our dedicated educators who in the face of these challenges continue working to support our students.”

CCSD leaders said they are working on plans to address the opportunities for improvement outlined in the CGCS report. Those included increased opportunities for professional learning for special education and addressing potential areas of inefficiency.

To view documents related to this item, click here.

Agenda Item 5.02 – Human Capital Management System update

Trustees received an update on the District’s Human Capital Management (HCM) system and efforts to remediate issues discovered after the launch. Trustees were informed in the process of analyzing the implementation of the HCM system, CCSD was able to recoup $700,000 from the District’s implementation partner in the form of a continued support credit.

Staff informed trustees that more than 80 percent of remediation items have been completed or have been submitted for testing. The report also outlined increased collaboration between Human Resources, Payroll and Finance in regard to the HCM system. As the HCM system shifts to an operational support model, the District will continue to gain more independence in maintaining operations through knowledge transfer.

To view documents related to this item, click here.

Agenda Item 4.01 –  Resolution to Support Additional State and Federal Funding for School Districts

The Board of School Trustees approved a resolution that calls on state elected officials to preserve state funding for education and urged Nevada’s congressional delegation to advocate for and approve additional funding for public schools.

In the resolution, trustees said Nevada school districts have not fully recovered from state cuts to education during the Great Recession adding that state and federal officials need to prioritize funding for education to avoid a similar funding crisis.

The resolution reiterates the need CCSD expressed when it joined the Council of the Great City Schools in urging Congress to provide an additional $13 billion for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), $12 billion in additional Title I program funding, $2 billion for E-Rate, and emergency infrastructure funds that include public schools.

To view the full resolution, click here.

New school principal introductions

Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara introduced those who are recommended for hire as a principal with CCSD.

Two new school leaders were introduced:

• Andrea Hill – Selected as the new principal for John Dooley Elementary School.

  • Most recently served as assistant principal at Halle Hewetson Elementary School.

• Jaime Witte – Selected as the new principal for Sue H. Morrow Elementary School.

  • Most recently served as an assistant principal at Sister Robert

Joseph Bailey Elementary School.