Why are local governments allowed to apply to become charter school authorizers?

The Nevada state legislature passed Assembly Bill 400 during the 2023 session, allowing cities and counties to apply to be charter school authorizers. This enables cities and counties to join the State Public Charter School Authority, Nevada System of Higher Education, and Nevada school districts as entities permitted to authorize charter schools.

How many local governments have applied, and which ones were approved?

The Nevada Department of Education received and reviewed applications from the City of Henderson and the City of North Las Vegas. Both applications were approved.

What is the application process, and what criteria are used for making decisions?

Information regarding the application process and application rubrics can be found on the Nevada Department of Education's website: doe.nv.gov/charter-schools

How often are applications reviewed and approved?

Applications are accepted and approved on a yearly basis.

Is there a cap on the number of new schools or students served?

Assembly Bill 400 caps the number of students that may be served by a city or county at 7 percent of the city or county’s school-aged children.

How will new schools be approved and who will oversee them?

New schools will be approved and overseen by the authorizer, whether it is the City of Henderson or the City of North Las Vegas.

What is the Nevada Department of Education’s role?

The Nevada Department of Education oversees the application process for cities and counties seeking to become charter school authorizers.

The Department is responsible for collecting applications, ensuring they are complete and include all required information, and conducting a thorough evaluation. This evaluation involves a rubric-based review of the application and an in-person interview.

Once a city or county is approved as an authorizer, the Department must also assess the city's or county's performance, particularly in relation to the performance of the schools within their portfolio.

When will new schools open? Each authorizer will determine the schedule for opening new schools.