WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) –The superintendent of the Washoe County School System is outlining her strategy and detailing how the district will proceed with her at the helm.

That is just one of several topics discussed during the board meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Susan Enfield has been superintendent for five months. She has met with district employees, community people, students, and families to better understand the district’s strengths and challenges. Enfield is presenting an Entry Plan to the school board, which contains recommendations for improvement.

Superintendent Enfield would want to see the following after completing Phases I and II of the Entry Plan:

• A necessary system change to better focus on specialized instruction by splitting the role of one of the Area Superintendents (Area 5 & Special Education) into two separate positions—an Area Superintendent (Area 5) and a new position, Associate Chief of Teaching and Learning, Specialized Instruction
• Improve coherence by moving from a collection of schools and departments to a more focused system
• Reorganize and realign the Office of School Leadership to better support teaching and learning practices for improved student learning outcomes
• Conduct a critical analysis of Leadership Pathways
• Evaluate district finals and assessment practices districtwide and provide an updated assessment system for implementation in fall of 2023
• Conduct a review of all student fees and develop a plan and timeline focused on removing barriers for all students to be able to participate in school activities and sports
• Increase prep time/support for teachers
• Create three superintendent advisory groups to improve collaboration and communication (Family Action Committee, Special Needs Family Advisory Committee and Staff Advisory Group)
• Assess current landscape of community partnerships and identify ways to make it easier and more efficient for organizations to collaborate with our district
• Continue ongoing opportunities for feedback, collaboration and engagement with staff, families and community members
• Advocate for resources and funding to ensure our students and staff have what they need
• Ensure our schools and facilities will best prepare all students for the future in order for them to achieve their full potential

Based on the Entry Plan, the district will develop a Strategic Plan, which will be presented to the board in June.

The Board of Trustees also discussed and decided on capital upgrades at Vaughn, Dilworth, Traner, Sparks, Clayton, Pine, and Incline.

The board agreed to put $3.5 million in the improvement program.

Pinyon Public Affairs presented suggestions to the board on how to proceed with raises for district employees, including teachers. The recommendation was for increases of at least 10% and up to 20%. Pinyon Public Affairs’ Dylan Shaver informed the board that they will be scheduling meetings with legislative staff and lawmakers.

It will be difficult to sell if it includes government funds.

Calen Evens, President of the Washoe Education Association, reminded the board that it will need community support to have the hikes approved. According to him, Nevada ranks 50th in the country for school financing and 48th in per-pupil funding.

Credits: Fox Reno

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