During a recent government meeting, high school student Abigail Nagate highlighted the pressing need for increased funding for civics education extracurriculars within the Clark County School District (CCSD). Speaking on behalf of her peers at Spring Valley High School, Nagate pointed out the significant rise in interest for programs such as Model United Nations (MUN), mock trial teams, and political clubs. Despite this growth, she emphasized that many schools lack the necessary resources to support these initiatives, particularly for out-of-state competitions, which can cost students upwards of $500.

Nagate noted that while civics programs are gaining popularity, financial barriers prevent many students from participating. She called for the establishment of a dedicated fund to support civics extracurriculars, arguing that the current funding of approximately 5 cents per student is disproportionately low compared to the $50 allocated for STEM education. She urged the board to consider a more equitable distribution of resources to ensure all students have access to civics education opportunities.

In a separate discussion, Ed Gonzalez addressed the topic of school closures, expressing concerns about the lack of community engagement in the decision-making process. He referenced recent projections indicating a decline in student enrollment across the district, particularly in elementary schools and kindergarten. Gonzalez urged the board to revisit its policy on school closures to include community input through town hall meetings, emphasizing the importance of local voices in such significant decisions. He argued that the community should have the opportunity to express their views, especially given the potential implications of ongoing enrollment declines.

Both discussions underscored critical issues facing the CCSD, from the need for equitable funding in civics education to the importance of community involvement in school closure decisions. The board is expected to consider these points as they move forward with policy discussions.