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

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.