Board approves Carson Montessori charter renewal, asks school to report back in three years

The Carson City School District Board of Trustees voted to approve a renewal of the charter agreement with Carson Montessori Charter School, authorizing a term commencing July 1, 2025, and requiring the school to report to the board within three years on facility plans and compliance with changing state law.

The board’s action followed a presentation from principal Jessica Daniels and multiple Carson Montessori students who described the school’s hands‑on, project‑based programs, community partnerships and efforts supporting student civic engagement. Daniels cited Nevada’s charter school statute, NRS 386.527, as the legal basis for the renewal request and told trustees the school has searched more than 80 potential sites while pursuing short‑term options to maintain operations.

Daniels told the board that in recent months the school submitted offers on several properties and had investors step forward, but consultants recommended demolishing and rebuilding some older properties because renovating them would be cost‑prohibitive. Daniels said the school also has an offer of interest with the Boys & Girls Club that is contingent on permit approval. "We leave no stone unturned," Daniels said.

Students who spoke at the meeting described classroom projects, service partnerships and emergency preparedness drills. Maya Morrison, a student speaker, said the school’s response during the COVID shutdown included home visits to deliver hotspots and devices so students could continue learning. "Please don’t tell us we can’t," Morrison said, recounting the school motto used during the pandemic push to keep students connected.

Trustees discussed the length of a renewal term and the board’s oversight obligations. Several trustees expressed support for the Montessori program but also concern about the legislature’s pending education bills and the potential for new accountability requirements that could affect charter schools and districts alike. Trustee Molly Walker moved to approve the renewal; the motion was amended to add a requirement that Carson Montessori report back to the board within three years with updates on facility plans and legislative alignment. The board voted in favor; the motion carried.

Board President Ramirez and Superintendent Andrew Phelan both praised the students’ presentations and the school’s community partnerships. There was no public comment recorded on the item.

What the vote does and does not do: the board approved the charter renewal agreement in the form presented and added a three‑year reporting requirement. The board did not adopt a separate facilities plan nor did it transfer any district property or bonds to the charter school. Daniels and school leaders told trustees they will continue to pursue a permanent site and short‑term shared‑space options while monitoring legislative developments.

Looking ahead: trustees directed staff and the charter school to keep the board informed of significant developments; the three‑year update was added to the approved motion as an accountability step.