SPCSA to absorb Clark County charter schools expanding student enrollment in Nevada

The Nevada Senate Committee on Education convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the state's charter school system, particularly the transition of charter school oversight from Clark County to the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA). This change positions the SPCSA as the second largest local education agency in Nevada, with an expected enrollment of over 70,000 students across 80 campuses.

During the meeting, SPCSA representatives emphasized their commitment to equitable access to high-quality education, highlighting their role in sponsoring and overseeing charter schools. Currently, 44 charter holders operate within five counties, with a substantial concentration in Clark County, which houses 80% of the schools.

A key topic of discussion was the accountability measures in place for charter schools. SPCSA officials noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed performance evaluations, this year marks a return to rigorous assessments. They acknowledged that a handful of schools are at risk of closure if they receive low performance ratings based on upcoming testing results.

Senator Sandra Titus raised concerns about the performance of charter schools, specifically in relation to special education services and transportation. SPCSA representatives confirmed that they have made strides in providing transportation for students and that approximately 10% of charter school students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), compared to 14% in public schools. They attributed the narrowing gap to intentional practices aimed at better serving diverse student populations.

The committee also explored the challenges of charter school closures, referencing the recent closure of GEMS Academy, which disproportionately affected students of color. SPCSA officials stressed the importance of rigorous vetting processes for new charter applications, noting that only 43% of applications are approved. They are continuously refining their approval process to ensure that future schools are better equipped to succeed.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the SPCSA's proactive approach to enhancing charter school accountability and inclusivity. As the authority prepares to absorb Clark County's charter schools, stakeholders are hopeful that these changes will lead to improved educational outcomes for all Nevada students. The SPCSA plans to provide further performance data to the committee, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and accountability in the charter school system.