Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada, announced the signing of Senate Bill 460 (SB460), emphasizing its role in strengthening school choice, accountability, and early literacy to better serve student needs. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“I was honored to sign SB460, our bipartisan education reform, which includes expanded school choice options, accountability measures, and new early literacy programs,” said Lombardo. “Together, we’re ensuring every student has their learning needs met and is prepared for lifelong success.”
Nevada’s SB460, passed in 2025, introduces significant K–12 reforms by establishing a statewide accountability system with annual school ratings and mandating improvement plans for underperforming schools. According to the Guinn Center, the legislation also focuses on literacy initiatives, scholarship programs, charter school oversight, and professional standards. It is considered one of the most comprehensive education reform packages in recent state history.
According to the Nevada Department of Education, Nevada students demonstrated slight but measurable improvements during the 2023–24 academic year. Statewide math proficiency increased to 32.6%, while English Language Arts proficiency reached 41.3%. Literacy among grades three through eight also improved, surpassing 41%. Despite these gains, overall achievement levels remain below national averages and continue to be a concern for policymakers.
School choice opportunities in Nevada have expanded under SB460. This includes raising charter school enrollment caps from 7% to 15% in certain districts and adding parent representation to charter authority boards. MySchoolChoice reports that Nevada’s actions align with national trends, as approximately 16% of students in 19 states now participate in public school choice programs such as charters, open enrollment, or scholarships.
Lombardo became the 31st governor of Nevada in January 2023 after serving two terms as Clark County sheriff. The Associated Press reports that Lombardo is a Republican who has positioned himself as Nevada’s “education governor,” advocating for higher teacher pay, expanded school vouchers, stricter discipline policies, and reforms aimed at improving school accountability.
