Education

In complaint over Skorkowsky selection, lack of transparency alleged

May 23, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

Amid some public concern about the transparency of Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky's appointment on Tuesday, a complaint has been filed with the Nevada Attorney General's office alleging a violation of the state's open meeting law.

2

Tears, smiles, hugs mark Air Force officer's emotional homecoming at children's school

May 23, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

Jordan Powell was listening to her principal talk about the significance of Memorial Day when she received the surprise of a lifetime. Her dad, an Air Force pilot who had just returned home from Afghanistan, suddenly appeared at her classroom door. "Daddy!" the 10-year-old cried out. "I missed you."

Democrats cry uncle on taxes, accuse Republicans of obstruction

May 22, 2013

By Anjeanette Damon,
Andrew Doughman

If there’s one promise Democrats have kept so far this session, it’s to have a discussion about taxes. But with the majority party’s capitulation on the Senate floor Tuesday that their payroll tax hike proposal is dead, it appears that discussion is all it’s going to be.

5

Skorkowsky appointed CCSD superintendent in unanimous vote

May 21, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

The Clark County School Board unanimously appointed Pat Skorkowsky as superintendent of the nation's fifth-largest school district on Tuesday night.

20

No drill instructors: Boot camp for UNR freshmen is all about rigors of study

May 21, 2013

Lenita Powers, Reno Gazette-Journal

When UNR holds its first academic boot camp Aug. 16-20, there won’t be any snarling drill instructors ordering freshmen to scrub the latrines with toothbrushes, but it won’t be easy, either. From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., they will spend five days attending classes, working in study groups and taking exams.

CCSD decision on superintendent search tabled for at least a day

May 20, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

The Clark County School Board delayed its vote on conducting a national superintendent search after a 4 1/2-hour special meeting Monday, postponing its decision until Tuesday evening.

4

Legislative showdown brewing over $2 million for Teach for America

May 20, 2013

By Andrew Doughman

A $2 million pot of money to hire more teachers for the Clark County School District could be in danger — with a contingent of Assembly Democrats apparently digging in their heels against the money.

18

Few big tax bills afoot, but plenty of little ones at Nevada Legislature

May 19, 2013

By Anjeanette Damon

Democrats may have fallen short of crafting a comprehensive tax reform plan to address Nevada’s wobbly revenue structure, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a bevy bills to raise taxes floating around the Legislature this year.

6

Scarlet and Gray to observe golden anniversary commencement Sunday

May 18, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

UNLV is celebrating its 50th commencement, a milestone that represents incredible growth for the university. UNLV began as an extension campus of UNR in 1951 with 12 full-time students and 16 part-time students who met in the dressing rooms of Las Vegas High School's auditorium.

1

Legislative action may leave Nevada school districts in a budget bind

May 17, 2013

By Cy Ryan

A technical amendment adopted by the legislative money committee could cause major problems for school boards now adopting their budgets for the coming fiscal year.

1

Nevada kindergartners' access to health care, insurance lacking, UNLV survey finds

May 16, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

More Nevada children are entering kindergarten without health insurance and face greater barriers to health care access, according to an UNLV report released Thursday.

CCSD budget, unburdened by cutbacks, wins easy approval

May 15, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

The Clark County School Board unanimously approved a $2.1 billion final budget for next school year, which includes funding for nearly 50 new special education teaching assistants and summer remediation programs for middle and high school students.

6

Debate over sex-ed bill devolves amid fears of 'worst-case scenario'

May 15, 2013

By Andrew Doughman

While it may be difficult for parents to talk about sex with their kids, Nevadans have had no trouble talking about sex with the Nevada Legislature.

12

Arrest report: Teacher knew relationship with student 'was wrong'

May 14, 2013

By Dave Toplikar

The relationship between a 24-year-old Las Vegas area high school teacher and a 15-year-old male student involved about 1,000 cell phone text messages over an eight-day period but resulted in them kissing "only two times."

25

Children with school-issued iPads are tempting targets, Metro Police say

May 14, 2013

By Paul Takahashi

Thieves are targeting schoolchildren carrying CCSD-issued iPads to and from school, according to Metro Police. Although educators praise iPads for raising student engagement, local authorities are concerned they could pose a new safety hazard for students.

5