As Washoe County School District schools are back in session, the Board of Trustees hosted its first board meeting of the school year.
Many topics were discussed, and the successes of last school year were celebrated.Â
During the 2024-2025 school year, the district saw an incredible jump in student success numbers for both math and English.Â
But, the success is not only in the classroom, as they celebrated a 17% increase in teacher surveys, with staff feeling valued and optimistic for the future. In addition, staff collaboration was reported to be up as much as 6% from the year prior.Â
The board celebrated their continued battle with chronic absenteeism, as 71% of schools showed improvement, including 76% in elementary and 72% in middle schools.
As they continue to battle absenteeism, Joe Ernst, WCSD Superintendent, touched on some of the avenues they have created for students to engage more in school. Including over 400 clubs within the district.Â
"We really believe in student engagement, and that is a real critical component to education as a whole when it relates to attendance," he said. "By giving them opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and be able to participate in clubs and activities that they are interested in."
The board also celebrated legislative success with the passing of WCSD Bill 49, which cleared barriers for the employee hiring process.
They also drafted a bill which was passed that allows students to not be double tested, further shifting their focus on what makes school enjoyable and where they can truly succeed.Â
The district also commemorated a new School Police Chief, Seana Baker, who was pinned, sworn in and honored at the beginning of the meeting.Â
As the school year goes on, the board is hopeful all of the success from last year can carry into this year, as they continue their battle with chronic absenteeism, and entrust educators and instructors to keep helping students perform to the best of their ability.Â
