Trustees Ask How District Will Improve Student Achievement

Churchill County School District trustees took a closer look at how the district plans to improve student achievement during discussion of the Fiscal Year 2027 District Performance Plan at their July 21 meeting, asking administrators how broad district goals translate into help for students in the classroom.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Walker explained that the performance plan is a broad roadmap built around goals previously established by the board, including increasing the district's graduation rate to more than 90% by the end of the 2026-27 school year. He said the plan is expected to change as the Nevada Department of Education rolls out new accountability requirements under Senate Bill 460.

Walker said the district's strategy includes reviewing student performance data, providing teacher training and supporting schools as they work to improve reading, math and overall student achievement. He said the district plan is intended to establish overall goals and direction, while allowing individual schools the flexibility to address the unique needs of their students.

Trustee Julie Guerrero-Goetsch said she was looking for more information about what specific interventions students receive, noting the draft appeared to place greater emphasis on teacher training than on the strategies being used to help struggling students.

Walker said the district plan is designed to provide overall direction, while each school develops its own improvement plan based on the needs of its students.

"At the district level, we have to make sure that we have the best practices trained and implemented in our schools," Walker said. "The school level ... gets a little bit deeper into the weeds" because administrators know the specific needs of their students and classrooms.

Churchill County Middle School Principal Dr. Deana Porretta offered one example, explaining that the middle school will dedicate part of its advisory period several days each week to reading and writing support. Students will be grouped based on assessment results so instruction can better address their individual needs and help them improve throughout the year.

Walker said Churchill County High School is also expanding student support through regular reviews of academic data, common assessments and student goal-setting. He said schools across the district are using student performance data to identify where additional help is needed and adjust instruction accordingly.

Trustees also revisited questions from the previous meeting about Career and Technical Education goals. Walker explained the difference between students who complete a CTE program and those who go on to earn an industry certificate, suggesting the board may want to consider the more rigorous standard when updating future district goals.

The board unanimously approved the FY27 District Performance Plan.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 18, with a special meeting set for July 30 to approve the recent appointment of Neil Rombardo as the district’s new legal counsel.