Preparing students for real opportunity—not just testing outcomes

Across District 36, schools face different but connected challenges. In rural areas like Nye County, limited staffing and resource constraints make it difficult to offer specialized programs or consistent academic support. In Clark County communities experiencing rapid growth, schools are managing increased enrollment pressures and stretched resources.

Jon’s perspective comes from a systems-level view of how education, health, and economic opportunity are linked. When students lack support in school, it increases long-term risks such as dropout rates, unemployment, and mental health strain.

A stronger education system requires:

• Early literacy and math intervention programs in underperforming schools
• Better support for special education and advanced learners through targeted small-group instruction
• Incentives to recruit and retain teachers in high-need areas, including housing or stipend support
• Expanded pathways for paraprofessionals to become certified teachers
• Improved oversight of how education funding is allocated and used at the local level

Education should not only measure performance—it should expand opportunity.