Sandoval recognized for promoting charter schools in Nevada

By Amber Phillips

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 | 1:19 p.m.

WASHINGTON — Nevada is home to some of the fastest-growing charter schools in the country, and the state is earning a reputation nationally among advocates for its progress.

Gov. Brian Sandoval was named by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools as one of several national leaders on the issue, in part because of laws he’s signed that make the state more friendly to start a charter school.

In 2013, Sandoval signed legislation to set up a revolving loan account for start-up charter schools and gave charter schools access to state bonds for funding.

Nevada now ranks among the top 15 in the nation for supportive charter school laws, according to the charter school alliance.

Sandoval’s work will be honored at a reception in Washington, D.C., today. In prepared

remarks, the alliance’s president and CEO, Nina Rees, said the governor “has made charter schools a centerpiece of education reform.”

Sandoval’s award comes as Congress considers legislation to improve the federal charter school program. A bill before the House this week aims to write into law best practices for charter schools, such as allowing students to continue through the same charter school system and giving more weight to low-income or non-English speaking students in lotteries.

Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., who sits on the education committee that considered the bill, voted for it in April.

Heck said in a newsletter he thinks local charter school “students are receiving a quality education that will prepare them for college or a career.” ​