The Moapa Valley Community Education Advisory Board (MVCEAB) held a meeting on January 12, 2026. Discussions covered everything from student absences to the future of the school district and what it could mean for rural schools. Included in attendance were the principals for all the Moapa Valley schools and MVCEAB members, with no public attendance.

Nevada Dreamers to be held

CCSD is holding a DACA Dreamers meeting on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., where the “future of the district” will be discussed. Leadership from various schools across the school district will be present, with Maurice Perkins emphasizing the importance of community input and the need for representation at the virtual session. More information should be available to parents in the newsletter emailed to them.

Chronic absenteeism improved across the board

Principals at each of the Moapa Valley schools reported improvements in chronic absenteeism at their schools from the same day last year. Moapa Valley High School reported a 16% improvement from January 2025, with plans for upcoming spirit days to encourage student participation. MVHS also reported that Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing recently concluded, with initial scores looking good.

Mack Lyon Middle School reported a 25% chronic absence rate, which is better than typical rates. Principal Aimee Lewis shared that part of the problem lay in recent illness going around. Parents are encouraged to get a doctor’s note to excuse absences if their children are sick. MLMS similarly finished MAP testing, with no report on scores yet.

Grant Bowler and Ute V. Perkins Elementary Schools also reported improvements in chronic absenteeism from last year. Bowler reported a 3% improvement from January 2025, and Perkins sits around 23%, according to Vice Principal Marianne Ekenstam. Both schools also reported a steady improvement in math scores, with MAP tests recently concluding.

Changes to school starting times

CCSD school associate superintendent Maurice Perkins confirmed that a possible change of school start times across the school district will be presented at the next school board meeting on Jan. 22.

Concerns over the change included later high school sports events, rural athletes getting home later and the change of bus schedules. High school students are shown to have better grades, moods and attendance with even small shifts to a later start time.

MVCEAB members made a motion to ask for a rural schools exemption should the motion to change district start times be passed. Those with an opinion or concerns are encouraged to keep an eye open and participate at the appropriate times and venues.

New parent reps and concluding business

Two new parent representatives were welcomed into the MVCEAB: Hennessy Salazar and Tim Browning. Both have children in MV schools and are active participants in local schools. Both were voted in with eager and unanimous approval.

MVCEAB members also discussed ways to support staff and administration halfway through the school year. School supplies donated by parents at the beginning of the year tend to dwindle around this time. Most items asked for by teachers included consumables like paper, pencils, dry erase markers, tissues and classroom cleaning supplies. While no plans are made yet, board members concluded they would like to think of a way to help parents support their children’s teachers.

The next meeting will be held on March 30 at 4 p.m. The meeting is public, and all who care about their local schools are welcomed to attend either in person or over Zoom.