SPCSA: most charter schools meet state ratings but facilities and equity remain pressing issues
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Summary
The State Public Charter School Authority reported that a majority of its schools earned 3-star or higher NSPF ratings and outperformed several comparison states, but SPCSA leaders said equitable access, facilities financing and multi-authorizer coordination require legislative attention.
The State Public Charter School Authority told the committee most SPCSA-sponsored charters met academic and financial performance standards, while urging legislative work on facilities financing and authorizer coordination.
Melissa McAden of the SPCSA reported that 73 percent of SPCSA schools earned a 3‑star or better Nevada School Performance Framework rating in 2024–25 and 52 percent were 4‑star or better. SPCSA schools also compared favorably with sample SBAC results in several states. The authority highlighted strong graduation metrics (excluding alternative programs), and said 53.5 percent of charter graduates earned an advanced or college‑and‑career‑ready diploma.
SPCSA staff noted remaining equity gaps: new charter campuses opened since the most recent strategic plan tended to enroll fewer English‑language learners and students with IEPs than district averages in Clark County; SPCSA is monitoring and adjusting authorizing decisions to improve representation.
McAden emphasized facilities as the most common underlying cause of struggling charters: many charter operators face high lease costs that divert classroom dollars. The SPCSA recommended expanding the Nevada facilities fund and bond financing avenues to give charter operators equitable access to capital. The authority also identified statutory gaps introduced by multiple authorizers (cities/municipalities recently gaining authorization power), advising cleanup language to align review timelines and application processes.
The SPCSA said it is implementing SB 460 changes that affect authorizer membership, appeals processes and public‑hearing requirements, and will work with the appointing authorities to comply with board membership changes effective July 1, 2026.
Committee members asked for follow-up on equity metrics and the proposed statutory cleanups; SPCSA offered supplemental appendices showing school‑level subgroup trends and requested legislative help to expand facility financing tools.