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Hello CSAN community,
CSAN Policy & Advocacy Update
As we move deeper into 2026, advocacy is active at the federal, state, and local levels. Below is a snapshot of key conversations and how CSAN is positioning the sector.
Federal Advocacy – Washington, D.C.
In February, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu. and I attended the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. We met with the offices of Senators Rosen and Cortez-Masto to advocate for the modernization of the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP).
Two important federal bills were introduced in January:
• FLEX Act – Modernizes the CSP by increasing flexibility, streamlining outdated requirements, and ensuring funds reach classrooms more efficiently.
• Equitable Access to School Facilities Act – Addresses one of the most significant barriers to charter growth: access to facilities financing.
Both proposals maximize existing CSP funds without increasing federal spending.
Moving forward, CSAN will partner with Education Advocates to discuss the impact of these bills with federal representatives in Nevada.
Charter School Reserves – Commission on School Funding
On February 20, the Nevada Commission on School Funding discussed charter school reserve balances under the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan (PCFP). No action was taken, but the issue will return in April.
Commissioners acknowledged that charter schools do not receive property tax revenue or dedicated facilities funding. Because of this, reserves are essential for facilities planning, managing enrollment volatility, and maintaining operational stability.
A potential policy under discussion would cap annual PCFP dollars flowing into reserves at 20% (excluding non-PCFP funds). Any reserve cap would disproportionately impact charter schools’ long-term sustainability and facilities stability.
CSAN will continue to engage directly with Commissioners to explain how a cap on PCFP reserves will impact Charter schools in the State.
Regional & Local Engagement
TMRPA approved an MOU with SPCSA to formalize information sharing on new and expanding charter schools. Draft amendments to the school siting policy could affect future charter expansion, and we are monitoring closely.
We also met with the City of Henderson, a new Charter School Authorizer in Nevada, to build a working relationship. The City is on its way to authorizing its first school, Kesher Academy. Since this process is new, we are monitoring closely to determine whether legislative action is needed to improve the timeline for the local government authorizing process.
Call to Action
As conversations around federal CSP modernization, charter school reserves, facilities access, and preparation for the 2027 legislative session move forward, this is an important moment for our sector. The decisions being discussed will directly impact the long-term stability and growth of public charter schools in Nevada.
Your engagement matters!
I encourage you to attend our March convenings, including the Small School Taskforce, the School Leader Council, the Happy Hour, the State of the Sector, and the Legislative & Policy Taskforce. These spaces are designed to keep you informed, elevate your voice, and ensure policymakers understand the real impact of their decisions on our schools and students.
In the coming weeks, we may also ask leaders to host school tours and connect directly with elected officials. When we show up together, our collective voice is stronger.
Selena Torres-Fossett
Executive Director, CSAN
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