RENO, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and Washoe County School District (WCSD) announced on Friday, Jan. 16 the approval of a collaborative agreement to support students with specialized needs.
WCSD filed a legal action in April 2025 against NDE regarding the use of Contingency Account for Special Education (CASE) funding to support a Washoe County student with disabilities and unique needs. On Tuesday, WCSD Board of Trustees approved a mutually beneficial settlement agreement to end the litigation.
With the approval of the agreement, NDE will now begin working with WCSD and other school districts across Nevada to review and improve the regulations, practices, and processes that impact special education services statewide. Supporting students with special needs is a shared commitment of NDE and WCSD, reflecting a mutual dedication to ensuring that students receive the appropriate and individualized services necessary to thrive academically and socially.
“The Legislature and Governor have made a commitment to statewide support for students with unique needs and the Nevada Department of Education is committed to ensuring those families and students across the state receive these vital funds,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We appreciate Superintendent Ernst’ commitment to the students he serves and his effort to improve the reimbursement process so that it works for all districts, students, and families. We look forward to working in partnership with him and other Superintendents to continue to improve.”
“Our priority is doing what is best for our students,” said WCSD Superintendent Joe Ernst. “We appreciate Dr. Wakefield’s leadership, the collaborative approach that led to this outcome, and look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen systems that support students not only in Washoe County, but across the state of Nevada.”
In June 2025, Washoe County District Court granted a preliminary injunction to WCSD regarding funding for the student. The preliminary injunction was later appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court and during the subsequent appeal, WCSD Superintendent Ernst and State Superintendent Dr. Wakefield worked tirelessly to reach a collaborative resolution of WCSD’s lawsuit.
Together, NDE and WCSD are transforming a moment of challenge into an opportunity for meaningful, statewide progress. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every student with special needs receives the support, resources, and services necessary to succeed — now and in the years ahead.
