Science fair earns praise as School Board addresses staffing, meals and teacher recruitment

The Pershing County School District Board of Trustees celebrated student achievement, discussed ongoing teacher recruitment challenges and approved several district initiatives during its June meeting.

The district's first annual middle school science fair drew praise from board members, who commended both the students who completed projects and the teachers who organized the event.

Board member Charlie Safford said the experience was valuable for all students who participated, regardless of whether they received awards.

"Every kid who turned in a project learned something," Safford said. "Many of the projects were worthy of recognition at the state level."

According to information provided to families before the event, students completed primary research projects and presented their findings to judges.

Safford also recognized teachers Katelyn Johnson, Jessica Greer and Alyssa Montes for organizing the event.

Superintendent Dennis Holmes said he plans to bring forward a proposal in August recognizing teachers and staff members who devote significant time and effort to activities that benefit students.

Marci Carruth discussed potential partnerships between the hospital and local schools, including health fairs and career pathway programs.

She said she will serve as a liaison between the hospital, the county and local schools.

The board approved a resolution supporting the 2027 iNVest education priorities, a statewide initiative developed by Nevada school superintendents. Holmes said the priorities include increased education funding, stronger literacy support and stable funding for pre-kindergarten programs.

Trustees also adopted a board governance handbook and approved several policy revisions. Additional policy updates, including changes related to student attendance, district wellness and workplace violence, will return for future consideration. Administrators are also developing a policy governing student cell phone use.

Reading and Literacy Specialist Hollie Harvey updated the board on the district's Tier 1 Improvement Planning Roadmap. Harvey said administrators and teachers recently reviewed academic, attendance and behavior data and developed action plans for the coming school year.

She also identified professional development as an ongoing district need.

Transportation and Facilities Director Tom Donaldson provided an update on several upcoming capital improvement projects. Hallway painting at Pershing County High School is scheduled to begin in July 2026.

The district also plans to construct a 60-foot-by-120-foot practice facility on the southwest corner of the Pershing County Middle School campus, with construction expected to begin in June 2027.

Donaldson said the facility will provide additional space for athletic practices, physical education classes and extended learning activities. High school hallway flooring replacement is also scheduled to begin in June 2027.

Chief Financial Officer Lola Montes reported that the district's eligibility for teacher recruitment and retention incentive funding has expanded significantly under Assembly Bill 398.

Montes said the district initially qualified for funding for three hard-to-fill positions in special education, mathematics and science. Updated guidance from the Nevada Department of Education later expanded eligibility to include additional positions at qualifying Title I schools.

Because Pershing County Middle School had a vacancy rate of about 20%, well above the state threshold for participation, the district now has 11 positions eligible for incentive funding during the 2025-26 school year. Funding associated with the program increased from approximately $25,000 to $52,129.

Montes also presented information on the Community Eligibility Provision, a federal program that allows schools to provide meals for students. Trustees voted to continue participation in the program for the 2026-27 school year, allowing students districtwide to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to their families.

The board also designated several positions as critical-needs vacancies because of ongoing recruitment challenges. Open positions include a special education teacher, social studies teacher, speech pathologist, science teacher and part-time bus driver. District administrators reported that several of the positions have received few or no qualified applicants.

Holmes also announced that he has joined the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Lovelock.

The next regular meeting of the Pershing County School District Board of Trustees is scheduled for Aug. 17 at 5:15 p.m. The first day of school is Aug. 24.