[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6503366,"mediaKeyId","5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76","parentId",5566841,"title","Board approves consent agenda, hears public comment on rezoning and legal spending","audioSeconds",305,"startMs",2401000,"endMs",2706000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76&start=2401&end=2706","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76/thumbnail_2401000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503366/Nevada/Board-approves-consent-agenda-hears-public-comment-on-rezoning-and-legal-spending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503366-b3a9a079fb6698d3cf34b4de35a97fb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807663&Signature=V5gzM1yY4RE~bcI46CzpSGos-V2pDykmQi9Y72CwStzTziD0Nz8QB78dSe~UkXAmDXtjd6bUVt9h7YhxvmblVW5VHM3Mi4TS8DoW7tyZy8m6YWtDIhhWpHbDVsx9fFOsNNwwxU2gqHHMpOvaKnjS4tmd~5PL1w6i41hskJ5BBIWqdXAY62njTcu5BndCPfBPVusCtGId4E6WnsMsNyHNtyVTBzKjnummYoviRl0MYBwQ28Ai2zYBhGzclSRpa3ywP6Ky7nHNUU0JaQBFu3~VviYYTgyaHmM1OLufndBXgq3PqPiwNZvt91WzeWBWRC5JHCdBGR7emJ5jEhCqwCovHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washoe County School District, NV","date","2025-08-13T01:57:30.653Z","article","The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees approved consent agenda items 2.02 through 2.19 on Aug. 12 by a 7–0 vote.

Before the vote, two members of the public addressed specific consent items. Pablo (Paul) Nava Duran spoke on item 2.07, urging the district to complete rezoning decisions before designing new schools so capacity and boundary questions are resolved in advance. He said the community wants to ensure new facilities are zoned appropriately relative to nearby neighborhood schools.

Todd Bailey addressed item 2.12 and raised a public‑records question about how much the district has spent on outside legal services and settlements over the last 10 years. Bailey said a quick review of the district data gallery showed $5,858,246.75 in checks over the last decade and asked whether those payments were from a district fund or paid by private insurance and how they appear in the district budget. Bailey pressed for clarification about whether a listed “general counsel insurance funds” entry is a district fund or a private carrier and requested the district provide the accounting details.

Following the brief public comment period, Clerk Woodley moved to approve the consent agenda; Trustee Phoenix seconded. The board voted 7–0 to carry the motion. Board members said supplemental materials available to trustees contained related answers and that staff would follow up on the specific accounting questions raised by the public comment.

No consent items were pulled for separate discussion during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","8-12-2025 WCSD Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved consent agenda items 2.02–2.19 by a 7–0 vote after two public commenters raised concerns about school rezoning ahead of design work (item 2.07) and outside legal services spending (item 2.12).","taxTitle","WASHOE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Nevada","taxId",13428,"location","Nevada","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6503369,"Board approves 7.5% increase to district health‑plan premiums for 2026; committee had proposed compromise",1200,14100000,15300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76&start=14100&end=15300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76/thumbnail_14100000.jpg","/articles/6503369/Nevada/Board-approves-75-increase-to-district-healthplan-premiums-for-2026-committee-had-proposed-compromise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503369-0326c00ecc0d1c8ad78b16be8bf6cdf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807663&Signature=kNwtAWgLY~KlTKPYEvRYduEUFq4QchziiB83p9uGkWjcSJ3ri4lGAyX23w9u1KOQMcLB1KZNmps~Di-tvE5X09DQrnJMkOBcWi6mSV~KXINhbCK6W4F7TWzjgPl6gki5mYBQVmOFSAENbWTl6MnKU6vy2tpL7xquGxO84ijSI~4Ib9KwBVKq9Ug80JzpTsvxbYf~wq1mLWn19q9BDvPf~P5zpRYapdGjITMwwqiZexCPXkvYw4q4SAfdOmpvZQIiXnzndcLmdT-bnz-qozWHi-le3rOGjM3irOtuXJpEj8~D2JA75fUI7wQxenL7hIpge-9u06yIGnVipSlvT14QhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously, 7–0, on Aug. 12 to approve a 7.5% premium rate increase for the district’s self‑funded group health insurance plan for calendar year 2026.

Benefits staff and the Group Insurance Committee presented the recommendation. Benefits manager Mackenzie Howren said the plan is self‑funded and covers nearly 12,000 lives: about 7,000 active employees, roughly 700 retirees and approximately 4,500 dependents. Because the district directly pays claims, plan experience affects future rates; staff initially proposed up to a 10% increase to reflect trend analysis. The Group Insurance Committee—made up of representatives from employee associations—recommended a 7.5% increase as a compromise.

“Members gave feedback that they would prefer an increase to premiums over changes to plan benefits,” Howren said, summarizing input from association representatives on the committee. Committee chair Jeff Bozzo said the 7.5% recommendation was intended to account for high 2024 large‑claim experience while avoiding benefit reductions that many members opposed.

Trustees discussed consumer education and utilization controls as complementary strategies; President Beth Smith and other trustees urged stronger member education about emergency‑room vs. urgent‑care use and noted the committee’s interest in encouraging cost‑effective care choices.

After Vice President Mayberry moved the staff recommendation as amended to adopt the committee’s 7.5% rate, Trustee Nicolette seconded. The motion carried 7–0.

District staff said the board’s action authorizes the increase and that final plan documents and the group insurance committee’s minutes and rationale will be posted with the district’s benefits materials. Staff emphasized the district continues to cover the employer share of employee premiums; the approved increase primarily affects dependents and employees who pay a portion of premiums.","Washoe County School District’s board approved a 7.5% premium increase for the self‑funded group health plan for calendar year 2026 after the group insurance committee recommended that figure; staff had proposed up to 10% but committee favored limiting benefit changes and raising premiums instead.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6503372,"Trustees direct superintendent to revise employee‑speech policy after extended debate",0,15316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76&start=15316&end=15316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76/thumbnail_15316000.jpg","/articles/6503372/Nevada/Trustees-direct-superintendent-to-revise-employeespeech-policy-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503372-c931ca8733714913b8c16f1b7e8862bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807663&Signature=Vg-9LU-3P~0TT~uxuZhTUVHjyYW5iwxlzUNfWdv47xGNkY0YUW997Z6E~LvipIyY4hsaa1Xyr6ipeNeTDPB99Pim0-1H~rHvx-Cer7r6arsgZsZ2JDY6D7Aqbl~urNw9XTNeuZ2NRx79b8oZvlmL1YoTsEmSUV386j66qw~MKNi1Fs8bnXsJND2tOHT8IAUU98lltFGWk~20mCJw2T4L80M-bFEeMAFdtdGkiXGLVUQoLgZTLv0LTIxaRCXJc8N4egAlhCkYno5qZjL~1agZfyUsBFcvGrN5ojZLq2WqdZdNZ4OiW4TA7eX1lmkTWWJ3ZWEokifOPSmUF3Nzj~XVgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 12 discussed proposed amendments to board policy 4.500, “District employee speech,” and directed the superintendent to return an updated draft with clarified language and definitions.

Legal staff described the draft as grounded in public‑employee free‑speech precedent. Chief General Counsel Neil Lombardo said the policy “stand[s] for supporting constitutionally guaranteed rights” and that the draft tries to “start with generalizations” of case law. General Counsel Kevin Pick said the policy language “is taken right from the Pickering/Connick test,” the legal framework used to evaluate public‑employee speech.

Trustees raised concerns about section 2(b), which in its current draft states that if an employee “identif[ies] as a district employee while engaging in speech, employees are not speaking in an individual or private capacity.” Several trustees said the text reads too broadly and could be read by nonlawyers to suggest employees must never identify their employer when speaking on matters of public concern.

Trustee Phoenix moved preliminary approval of the draft and to publish it for a 13‑day public comment period; Trustee Mayberry seconded that motion, which failed on a 3–4 vote. Later, after additional discussion, the board voted 5–2 to direct the superintendent and legal staff to revise the draft to: clarify the wording of section 2(b) so it distinguishes speech made while representing the district from speech made in a private capacity; clarify section 2(c) about employment‑related complaints; and add a short set of limited definitions (for example, “matter of public concern,” “individual/private capacity” and whistleblower references) to improve readability for nonlegal readers. Trustee Phoenix made the motion to direct staff; Trustee Westlake seconded. The board accepted staff’s offer to circulate the revised draft to trustees in advance of the next public board meeting and to bring the revision back for public consideration.

During the discussion, both trust and civil‑liberties interests were raised by speakers and by public commenters. Public commenters included representatives of employee associations and the ACLU who asked for clearer protections for employees, and local union leaders who requested language that would not chill staff participation in public policy discussions.

Legal staff emphasized that the policy is intended to summarize governing First Amendment case law rather than create a detailed legal treatise; administrative regulations will provide more operational guidance. Lombardo and Pick also noted that some elements of speech regulation for employees (for example, whistleblower protections and statutory collective‑bargaining rights) are governed by separate state law and administrative rules and may be addressed in accompanying regulations rather than in long board‑policy text.

The board’s direction does not adopt the policy; it asks staff to return a revised draft for further board review and public comment.","After a lengthy discussion about First Amendment limits and staff guidance, the Washoe County School District board directed the superintendent to return revised language for board policy 4.500 (employee speech) clarifying section 2(b), 2(c) and adding limited definitions; the motion passed 5–2.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6503377,"Washoe County School District reports historic gains in student proficiency, drops in chronic absenteeism",225,3360000,3585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76&start=3360&end=3585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76/thumbnail_3360000.jpg","/articles/6503377/Nevada/Washoe-County-School-District-reports-historic-gains-in-student-proficiency-drops-in-chronic-absenteeism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503377-3f8a8a183b86f2efffa1b69a4d91ab93/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807663&Signature=aWJhjP988oJ4q5ABURzC6eCzcPmgW~dpY~HzD~535MnhB9UjOPIQhRxRyIwpENHf7m1L1A7lt-l2jwKkgXxhdFyW1jKmNjszd9btVB54o4W5WJV7-m04snsCADbm1hT3mCZfsK5KnpFnr6e3tPlWn3oJA6qoThAPPkTymA6I4eL-gUHhM37zD1boNBegZvaGpjjXOJvfdKkbZz7nqhlPo6wqrfA0N86nW-D4Ioi0SdKJ2YczqdZtz6Dg3ChBdOJU8sujbA-FVlp2bwBYjvHMUvE5E2-ZNCV-gIzxaQyWvyrbNsR-5jJAwgu8eisOGUxjcLhMm1JajO~WeFFc-5m8QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Joe Ernst told the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 12, 2025, that the district recorded what he called “the single largest 1 year increase in student proficiency in district history.” The presentation covered proficiency gains on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test (SBAC), reductions in chronic absenteeism and other academic indicators for 2024–25.

Ernst said all elementary grades in English language arts and math are “at or above pre‑pandemic levels,” and noted that 71 percent of district schools reduced chronic absenteeism last year. He attributed the results to coordinated work on climate and culture, instructional investments, and targeted supports for collaborative schools identified for extra assistance.

“We had the single largest 1 year increase in student proficiency in district history,” Ernst said. He highlighted several contributing efforts: the district’s emphasis on the science of reading, expanded extracurricular “slot pay” for staff to lead clubs (the district grew from 105 clubs to 470 districtwide), early investments in instructional materials and professional learning, and new career and technical education programs.

Ernst and trustees also discussed chronic absenteeism trends. Elementary chronic absenteeism was reported at 13.1 percent in the district’s data slide; middle school improved but high‑school absenteeism remained an area of concern. The superintendent said the district had used data systems and community partnerships, and credited principals, registrars, counselors and other staff for site‑level interventions.

Trustees and staff praised the work of specific leaders and teams. Vice President Mayberry and Trustee Woodley highlighted the district’s use of data and noted improvements across student populations. Ernst credited the accountability, research and evaluation team and named staff including Dr. Paul LaMarca and Dr. JT Stark for role in data and behavior‑policy work.

The presentation also summarized statewide legislative work the district helped lead, including a change to eliminate duplicate testing for kindergarten through third grade; Assembly Member Heather Golding appeared at the meeting to describe the bill’s intent to reduce testing time for young students.

District staff said the gains represent multi‑year investments rather than a single‑year effect, and they flagged continued work needed in secondary math and high‑school attendance. Board members and district leaders said they will return with further reports and planned supports for middle and high schools.","Superintendent Joe Ernst said the district saw its largest one‑year proficiency gains in SBAC since 2015–16, with elementary grades at or above pre-pandemic levels and 71% of schools reporting decreases in chronic absenteeism for 2024–25.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6503382,"Washoe County School District ceremonially swears in new chief of school police",300,1482000,1782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76&start=1482&end=1782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566841-139b8d5a82cd24a1494d07fbb669db76/thumbnail_1482000.jpg","/articles/6503382/Nevada/Washoe-County-School-District-ceremonially-swears-in-new-chief-of-school-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503382-7d9535a59088c3fe2f15141d3c8f6244/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807663&Signature=ihSen0VwpZ2klkUqTkjpdAV-Vbnv4zsWWV--sLi1Z7kLKT6Hpk4l--w0Dum00ldtzQaoMdsPnffX9xpfFKCdTdFec0LYy14SaBNiVu3Tysn9jHWq2JDooN9qwWzG29WUdo~S409Q0mq8~ep-3uLdvzrWaWlUfkMWdSOc-kvAmlqQqa-DrhYgHGJo2q0koheh5exSSVU~C4VZrZozbxIIAiygf~Df0gkSKHaft9erO0B9TWTwqm~-Rx~bUktY-snuGvl9VLcjP6OReQssc4G0~g7eb0Zj4BPDQVnMaqihI6fLtT8CNQpFzRuyVfik8ZSgY0RE1LyQZPzO4PhkSX0TOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shauna Baker was ceremonially sworn in as chief of school police for the Washoe County School District on Aug. 12, 2025.

The board president, Beth Smith, welcomed Baker and said the district’s “safety of our students and our staff is 1 of the highest priorities” and recognized law enforcement partners in the room. Superintendent Joe Ernst praised Baker’s leadership and said her “experience, your judgment, and your heart for this work have brought you to this important moment.”

Clerk Woodley administered the oath of office; Baker repeated the oath and then spoke briefly. “I’m deeply honored and profoundly grateful to the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees, Superintendent Ernst, and to the entire Washoe County School District community,” Baker said, and pledged to “lead with transparency and dedication, addressing immediate safety needs while planning for long term success.” The ceremony included a pinning by Melinda Baker.

The board held a small photo session with district law enforcement representatives following the ceremony before resuming the regular meeting agenda.

The swearing-in was ceremonial; no board vote was recorded for the appointment during the meeting. The district’s remarks framed the event as part of ongoing work to strengthen relationships between school police, students, families and community partners.

Baker’s remarks emphasized partnership and support for the district’s strategic plan; Ernst and board members noted Baker’s years of service and the presence of law-enforcement partners from around the county.

Officials said they will continue to outline priorities for the school police department in subsequent meetings and reports.","The Washoe County School District ceremonially sworn in Shauna Baker as chief of school police on Aug. 12, 2025. District leaders praised Baker’s leadership and pledged continued focus on student and staff safety.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consent agenda, hears public comment on rezoning and legal spending

Board approves 7.5% increase to district health‑plan premiums for 2026; committee had proposed compromise

Trustees direct superintendent to revise employee‑speech policy after extended debate

Washoe County School District reports historic gains in student proficiency, drops in chronic absenteeism

Washoe County School District ceremonially swears in new chief of school police