The Pershing County School Board tabled a proposed teacher incentive agreement Monday after concerns surfaced about whether the district pursued the full amount of funding available through a state program.
During public comment, Lisa Clark asked the board to pull agenda item 4G, which involved approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Pershing County School District and the Pershing County Certified Teachers Association.
Clark referenced Assembly Bill 398, passed in 2025, which provides funding to help recruit and retain educators in hard-to-fill positions. She said Pershing County received an allocation of $71,780 for fiscal year 2026 but initially requested only $25,000 based on earlier guidance.
She said the Nevada Department of Education later clarified that districts could use the funding for all qualifying hard-to-fill positions, not just vacancies. She urged the board to seek reconsideration from the state and, if necessary, consider using general fund dollars to ensure eligible employees receive the full incentive.
After her comments, the board voted to remove the item from the consent agenda for discussion. Superintendent Dennis Holmes said district staff contacted the state after receiving updated guidance and requested access to the full allocation but learned the state would not allow changes after the deadline.
Holmes said the district proceeded using the $25,000 award and drafted the agreement accordingly. He said the plan covers most eligible staff, though about eight teachers would not receive funding under the current distribution.
Board members discussed whether delaying the item could produce a different outcome. Holmes said he did not believe it would, though staff said they could attempt to pursue the matter again.
The board ultimately tabled the item without taking action.
Marci Carruth used public comment to thank district principals for their support during difficult situations involving her children.
She said administrators helped her family navigate challenging circumstances and expressed appreciation for their dedication to students.
Elizabeth Uhart of Buena Vista Valley shared information about the Nevada Youth Range Camp, a summer program focused on rangeland management, wildlife, water and natural resources. She encouraged students to consider participating and highlighted the educational opportunities available through the camp.
She also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Pershing County Junior Livestock Show on May 3, noting that students gain valuable hands-on experience through livestock projects and exposure to modern agricultural practices.
In other business, the board approved Policy and Regulation 4000, related to Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 compliance, on second reading.
Holmes also requested additional time to review the language in Policy 4130, concerning critical needs employment, following discussions with the newly appointed teachers' association president. The board agreed to move the policy to a third reading before final approval.
The board also conducted first readings on Policy and Regulation 5075, addressing school health services and parent notification, and Policy 4110, covering mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.
Holmes said district staff, including the district nurse, counselors and social workers, extensively reviewed both policies.
During his report, Holmes noted that the district’s academic leadership team recently won a state championship and will be recognized at an upcoming meeting.
He also updated the board on bond planning, transportation costs and ongoing food service considerations.
Holmes said the district continues discussions with Humboldt County about transferring operation of several bus routes, while Pershing County would remain financially responsible.
Board members also reported on sessions they attended at recent Nevada Association of School Boards and National School Boards Association conferences, covering topics such as leadership, school safety, literacy and artificial intelligence.
Several trustees said presentations by Zack Kass on emerging artificial intelligence technology ranked among the most impactful sessions.
At the end of the meeting, Pershing County Middle School Principal Shea Murphy announced plans for a community meeting focused on the district’s “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative. The meeting will be held in the PCMS multipurpose room on Tuesday, May 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Murphy said the district will send letters to local organizations inviting them to participate in discussions on college and career readiness and workforce transitions. District leaders also plan to discuss ways to promote the initiative throughout the community. She encouraged board members to attend.
The board will hold its next regular meeting May 18 at 5:15 p.m., followed by a budget hearing May 20 at noon.
Upcoming district dates include kindergarten graduation May 28, Lovelock Elementary School Track and Field Day June 3, the last day of school June 4, Pershing County High School graduation June 6 and a regular board meeting June 15 at 5:15 p.m.
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