As someone who has served alongside educators from every corner of our state—from Clark County to Carson, Douglas to Mineral—I’m deeply concerned by the implications of Assembly Bill 236 (AB236).
If passed, this legislation would fundamentally weaken educator representation in key education policy decisions by removing the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) as the nominating authority for positions on the State Board of Education, the Teachers and Leaders Council, and the Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs.
AB236 introduces vague and bureaucratic language in place of a nomination structure that has worked for years—one that ensures practicing educators from both urban and rural districts have a seat at the table.
The bill appears intended to amplify voices from Clark County, but in practice, it risks silencing educators from the remaining 16 districts that make up the rest of our state.
That’s not forward thinking. That’s one sided.
Educators currently serving on these bodies represent a diverse cross-section of Nevada. They’ve contributed time, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure statewide policies reflect all students’ realities—not just those in the Las Vegas Valley.
I’ve seen this firsthand while serving on the Nevada Educator Code of Ethics Advisory Group.
I worked with teachers and community members from across the state, including Clark County, to create a statewide code rooted in shared values.
But without rural perspectives, those conversations would have missed the mark.
Nevada is not one school district. We are seventeen. Our students deserve thoughtful decisions informed by educators who understand both the challenges of remote, rural classrooms and the complexities of urban districts.
I urge lawmakers to oppose AB236 as currently written—or at the very least, amend it to preserve the integrity and balance of educator representation. Our public education system is strongest when it includes the voices of those who know it best.
Rachel Croft, Carson City
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