Nevada State Board of Education approves start time survey to move forward

The Nevada State Board of Education is taking a closer look at high school start times, with a recent vote to begin a survey on the topic. Members of the board have been discussing the issue since January and are now moving forward with collecting data that will shape the board’s direction on its draft regulation for start times.

The discussion also included a legal opinion on two options from the Legislative Counsel Bureau regarding the board’s authority over setting start time guardrails for high schools in the state. Deputy Attorney General David Gardner summarized the options, with the first option offering more flexibility for schools and families to opt in or out of mandated start times.

Member Michael Keyes, a student representative, expressed support for option one, emphasizing the importance of offering a waiver process to schools and families. He believes that addressing start times could have a positive impact on student engagement and attendance.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert highlighted the importance of collecting feedback from educators, families, and community members through the survey process. The goal is to include diverse opinions at the local level and make informed decisions based on the data collected.

Member Mike Walker stressed the importance of compromise and respectful communication with the community when addressing complex issues like start times. He emphasized the need for teamwork and collaboration to find solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Overall, the board is committed to gathering data, listening to various perspectives, and working together with school leadership to make decisions that benefit students across the state. The survey will provide valuable insights that will guide the board’s future actions on high school start times.