Carson City School District Board of Trustees Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Carson City School District Board of Trustees met on June 9, 2026, to discuss end-of-year activities, proposed curriculum adoptions, revisions to the recess policy, an update on substitute staffing services, and approval of metrics for the superintendent's goals. The meeting included public comment, board reports, and several unanimous votes.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously adopted the agenda and later approved the consent agenda (items 1 and 13).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Ann Giddens spoke against proposed changes to the recess policy. She expressed full support for keeping the current policy that guarantees three 15-minute recesses per day (morning, lunch, afternoon). She argued that the proposed policy and regulation do not align and that removing specific minute guarantees would harm students. She urged the board to protect recess minutes.

Discussion Items

• Superintendent's Report (Item 3): Superintendent Fueling reported on the conclusion of the school year, highlighting graduation ceremonies, the Carson High grad walk, and a statewide superintendent conference. He noted that most Nevada districts with over 1,000 students are experiencing declining enrollment, with Lyon County being a recent exception.
• Board Reports (Item 4): Trustees shared updates from school visits, including end-of-year promotions, field days, community partnerships, and the success of the Carson High graduation and safe grad event. Dr. Ward's retirement from Fremont Elementary was recognized.
• Curriculum Adoption – Spanish and Psychology (Item 7): Brandon Bringhurst, Rhonda Wallace, and Linda Fields presented proposed adoptions for Spanish (grades 6–12) and AP Psychology/Psychology (high school) materials, budgeted not to exceed $150,000. The Spanish adoption (VHL and Wayside) totals $128,040.64; psychology materials total $13,146.32. The presentations covered the selection process, alignment with updated AP exams, and cost details. No action was taken (discussion only).
• Recess Policy and Regulation (Items 8 & 9): Christy Perkins presented proposed changes to Policy 260 and a new Regulation 260. The policy would be shortened, with details moved to the regulation. Key points: 45 minutes of daily recess, not to be withheld for academic or punitive reasons, but allowing structured interventions for behavioral concerns. Board members suggested amendments: specifying three recesses (morning, lunch, afternoon) in both policy and regulation, limiting the use of recess for interventions to 15 minutes (not “or more”), ensuring trained staff implement strategies, and adding language for indoor recess days. The item was for first reading only; no vote was taken.
• EduStaff Substitute Staffing Update (Item 10): Dan Sadler provided an informational update on the partnership with EduStaff. Fill rates improved from 67–82% in prior years to 94.1% in 2025–26. The substitute pool grew from 94 to 226. Total substitute expenditures for 2025–26 were $1,634,130, down from the previous year. In-house prep coverage costs dropped from $133,000 to $49,235. The district will discontinue “super subs” at most sites. Board members discussed costs, teacher attendance, and the need for staff feedback on substitute quality.
• Superintendent Goals Metrics (Item 11): Superintendent Fueling presented proposed metrics for his 2026 calendar year goals, including full implementation of MTSS tracking at elementary schools, baseline and follow-up PLC perception surveys, progress on a strategic plan, and a bill draft request for the 2027 legislative session. The board approved the metrics unanimously.
• Cancellation of November and December Meetings (Item 12): The board unanimously approved canceling the November 24, 2026 and December 22, 2026 meetings due to holidays.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Metrics for measuring the superintendent's 2026 goals (motion by Trustee Clapham, second by Trustee Peterson; unanimous).
• Approved: Cancellation of the November 24 and December 22, 2026 board meetings (motion by Trustee Varner, second by Trustee Ramirez; unanimous).
• Approved: Consent agenda (motion by Trustee Clapham, second by Trustee Roberts; unanimous).
• Direction Given: For the recess policy and regulation, the board requested alignment of language (specifying three recesses totaling 45 minutes), limiting intervention time to 15 minutes, adding trained staff requirements, and addressing indoor recess. These changes will be incorporated before a future vote.
• Future Agenda Items Requested: Trustee Roberts requested a plan for tracking staff attendance at PLCs under the new calendar, with quarterly updates. Trustee Varner requested an explanation of large budget transfers (e.g., $1.7 million).