Cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas Apply to Sponsor Charter Schools under New Law
North Las Vegas and Henderson Apply to Sponsor Charter Schools
The cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas have taken a significant step in the realm of education by applying for state approval to sponsor charter schools. Wilson Ramos, North Las Vegas’ director of community services and engagement, expressed optimism about the Nevada Department of Education approving the city’s application. He is eager to see what school operators will bring in terms of educational rigor and wraparound social services to one of the state’s largest cities.
The opportunity for city and county governments to sponsor charter schools was established last year as part of Assembly Bill 400, Governor Joe Lombardo’s education omnibus bill. While local governments were never explicitly prohibited from sponsoring charter schools, the bill specified municipalities as approved sponsors alongside other entities.
North Las Vegas and Henderson are the first municipalities to step forward under the amended law, with both cities recently applying for sponsorship. Charter schools operate independently but have contracts with sponsors that oversee their compliance with state and federal regulations. Sponsors ensure schools follow all necessary regulations but do not dictate their programming or operations.
Ramos shared that city representatives interviewed with state education officials last week, and he anticipates the city’s first sponsored school opening next year. Henderson also showed a keen interest in sponsoring charter schools due to overcrowded schools and a growing demand for school choice.
The state application for prospective sponsors evaluates both the philosophical and practical aspects of sponsoring schools. The newly updated charter school law limits local governments’ school portfolios to 7% of their jurisdiction’s overall pupil enrollment, allowing for a slow and purposeful approach to maximize impact.
Ramos emphasized the importance of innovation and best practices in education, stating, “It’s just been a long time coming. As you look at the state of education, you identify so many gaps, you really start to look at opportunities more so than anything.”
Overall, the move towards sponsoring charter schools represents a significant shift in the education landscape of Nevada, with both North Las Vegas and Henderson paving the way for new educational opportunities in their communities.