Joe Lombardo, governor of Nevada, said that his new K-12 education plan will prioritize school choice, quality, and accountability.
“Last week, I shared a new vision for K-12 education in our state,” said Lombardo, Nevada State Executive – Governor (R). “My Accountability in Education Act is a fresh plan to bring choice, excellence, and accountability back to our school system.”
In 2025, Nevada’s K–12 education reform is centered on the Accountability in Education Act introduced by Governor Joe Lombardo. This act expands school choice and revises accountability measures for public schools. According to the Nevada Governor’s Office, the Act is paired with the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan to adjust per-pupil spending based on student needs and school type. The Nevada State Education Association has also introduced a legislative agenda advocating for improved educator protections and equitable resource distribution. These reforms aim to address long-standing disparities in educational outcomes across districts.
According to the Nevada Department of Education’s 2022–2023 State Accountability Report, only 32.6% of Nevada students in grades 3–8 were proficient in math, and 41.3% were proficient in English language arts. These figures reveal a statewide struggle to meet academic benchmarks, with Clark County trailing slightly behind state averages. The Nevada School Performance Framework has resumed assigning star ratings to schools, providing a clearer view of achievement gaps. These metrics emphasize the urgency behind current reform efforts.
A meta-analysis published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information examined school choice and accountability policies across U.S. states and found small positive effects on academic outcomes due to competitive pressure. While programs such as vouchers and charter school expansions have shown potential to raise test scores in some districts, the study notes results are mixed and depend heavily on local implementation. The findings suggest that while choice can benefit some students, it is not a guaranteed solution for systemic improvement.
According to the Nevada Governor’s Office, Joe Lombardo is the 31st Governor of Nevada, elected in 2022 after serving as Clark County Sheriff. Born in Sapporo, Japan, Lombardo was raised in Las Vegas and holds degrees in civil engineering and crisis management from UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas). His background includes military service and a 30-year career in law enforcement with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, culminating in his leadership of the department. His administration has prioritized education, public safety, and economic growth.
