Las Vegas (KSNV) — A series of issues in the Clark County School District that have captured the community’s attention have Nevada lawmakers looking at legislation that could prevent a repeat of a situation in the future.

We are four months away from the 2025 legislative session.

And there are already bills in the works, including when it comes to our elementary schools here in Clark County.

Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray Axelrod, chair of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education, says bills are being discussed to address the CCSD’s ongoing budget problems, including a $20 million deficit.

“I think you’ll see a wide range, whether it’s breaking up the school district and having additional oversight,” Bilbray-Axelrod said.

Last month, Crisis in the Classroom broke news of budget issues facing the district, which have now caused staff and program cuts at certain schools.

CCSD school board member Linda Cavazos says district-level policies also need to be looked at when it comes to the budget.

“Policies that give us more information earlier and in a timely manner,” Cavazos said.

Bilbray-Axelrod says her committee is also advancing a bill that would address the closure of rural schools.

This also includes a visit to Lundy Elementary at Mount Charleston.

Controversy has arisen after the board voted 4-3 not to repair the school, which the district says is expensive after damage from Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023.

“They will look at the rationale for the recommendation to close the school,” Bilbray-Axelrod said. “We will ensure that there is a lot of transparency and daylight, so that people know what costs are associated with the school closure.”

The bill would also prevent a school from closing if it is affected by natural causes or enrollment.

Another hot topic that the Legislature and some CCSD board members are considering has to do with former county executive Katie Williams, who resigned last month after being accused of living out of state.

“There are very, very strict residency requirements that you actually live in the neighborhood,” Bilbray-Axelrod said.

“Really making sure that individuals are, you know, staying in the community that they represent,” said CCSD Trustee Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan. “I mean, we don’t want this to happen again. It’s unethical.’

This topic has caused several issues within a currently divided school board.

One of these had to do with a number of trustees who had requested an open discussion about the vacancy for a trustee and which, according to those trustees, was rejected by the board chairman a few weeks ago.

Cavazos wants the board to reevaluate CCSD policy, which has to do with the balance of power in the board.

“When we had a balanced board before, we had on the agenda, every time we had a meeting, we had a seat for a trustee and a superintendent, two-way communication in public for our constituents,” Cavazos said.

A step to address the governance divide is being taken by Bilbray-Axelrod and lawmakers.

Currently, the CCSD Board of Trustees has six voting members, which will increase to seven once Williams’ seat is filled, as well as four appointed members.

Currently, the appointed members can only submit motions.

But the legislator wants to change that.

“I think giving full voting rights is something that you’re going to see, just to maybe calm the temperature in the room a little bit,” Bilbray-Axelrod said.

Trustee Cavazos also wants to reevaluate CCSD policies after former Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara had given pay increases to his cabinet before leaving the office, without having to get approval from the board.

What school laws would you like to see this legislative session?

Contact the Crisis in the Classroom Tip Line by emailing [email protected] or calling 702-805-0489.