The Carson City School Board on Tuesday approved policy changes allowing more flexibility for PE exemptions, received updates on district finances and staffing, and outlined preparations for the upcoming academic year.
Superintendent Andrew Feuling said activity is “heating up” as the first day approaches, highlighting recent administrator meetings, staff trainings and a new hire breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion. Students in grades 1-12 return Aug. 18, with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten starting Aug. 20.
Foundation funding, bylaw changes approved
Carson City Schools Foundation President Jon Hager and Treasurer Casey Gillis reported the nonprofit received $35,680 in donations in 2024, including $9,079 from payroll deductions and $10,000 from Southwest Gas. The foundation provided $64,630 in funding for department grants, Advanced Placement exam subsidies, the Jump Start program and scholarships.
For 2025-26, the foundation allocated $67,000 for programs, including $25,000 for AP, $10,000 for Jump Start, $20,000 for grants, $8,000 for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and $2,500 for a “closed closet” providing job-interview clothing to high school students. The board also approved bylaw amendments clarifying that the superintendent and school board president serve as non-voting advisory directors.
Policy changes approved
Trustees approved updates to Policy 817 requiring employee ID badges and Policy 539 on independent study in PE. The PE revisions align with changes to Nevada Administrative Code 389.488, allowing exemptions for students with medical conditions, religious beliefs, enrollment in certain programs such as ROTC or marching band, or participation in interscholastic or competitive club sports.
Students may earn up to two exemptions — requiring at least 120 hours of participation per credit — but must still meet the state’s 23-credit graduation requirement through other coursework.
Carson High PE/Health Department Head Steve Dilley and retired PE specialist Linda Herzl opposed the changes, warning they could reduce student participation in physical education and undermine wellness goals. The board approved the revisions despite those concerns.
Staffing report shows low vacancies
Chief Human Resources Officer Dan Sadler reported vacancy rates at historic lows as of Aug. 8: zero for administrators, four for certified staff, two for certified special education, seven for classified staff, six for classified special education and one school nurse position. The classified vacancy rate is 3.7%, down from 7% in 2023-24; certified vacancies dropped from 7% to 1.1%.
Sadler credited competitive salaries, early retirement incentives, local career fairs, improved application systems, social media outreach and word-of-mouth recruitment. He noted filling music teacher positions remains a challenge.
Board and association updates
Trustee Varner reported on Nevada Association of School Boards activities, including upcoming trainings and the annual conference Dec. 4-6 in Reno. Board members shared campus event announcements such as Carson High’s “Big Blue Welcome” for freshmen, Fremont Elementary’s back-to-school nights, and Fritch Elementary’s ice cream social.
