LAS VEGAS, Nev.– Yesterday, Nevada State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jhone Ebert,Lieutenant Governor Lisa Cano Burkhead, and 2021 National Teacher of the YearJuliana Urtubey joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for aconversation with family members regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on educationand ongoing pandemic recovery.

“I appreciate the perspectives and vulnerability that Las Vegas parentsshared with me this week, and as I head back to Washington D.C., I will betaking their stories with me,” said U.S. Secretary of Education MiguelCardona. “I encourage educators and family members of Nevada’s students tocontinue demonstrating their passion and sense of urgency. Coming together,supporting one another, and leaning on this community – that is how we willcontinue to get through this time of pandemic recovery.”

“Parents and family members have stepped up in meaningful ways tosupport their students through the last two school years,” said Jhone Ebert,State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I extend gratitude toSecretary Cardona and all family members who joined us to share theirperspectives on what our students and families need most in this current phaseof pandemic recovery.”

“As a 25-year educator, I know that bringing together students,parents and educators into a community is essential to students’ academicsuccess — and that has never been more true than during the pandemic,” saidLieutenant Governor Lisa Cano Burkhead. “I was pleased to join SecretaryCardona in hearing directly from parents and families today and I will continueto champion parents and educators and uplift our students so they are ready towrite Nevada’s future.”

“The joyous and just education that all students deserve requiresdeeply listening to their families and celebrating their cultures,” saidJuliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year. "I was honored to participatein this conversation with Sec. Cardona, Lt. Gov. Burkhead, SuperintendentEbert, and these dedicated Las Vegas family members.”

The conversation took place at Matt Kelly Elementary School aspart of Secretary Cardona’s visit to Nevada and series of pandemic recovery discussions. Accessphotos from the conversation with parents and Secretary Cardona’s visit.    

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ABOUTTHE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

TheNevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educationalequity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees allpre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improvestudent achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities,facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of theState Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDEimpacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.