Lyon County School Board Candidates Focus on CTE

Candidates for the Lyon County School Board are pushing for increased parental involvement and expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, as discussed during the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 8.

The event, held at the Dayton Valley Community Center, featured seven candidates who offered their views on issues such as student achievement, security, absenteeism, and mental health. Moderated by Dayton High School juniors Jacklyn Kikuchi, Blake Palmer, and Avaline Reardon, the panel addressed a range of challenges facing the district, focusing on expanding CTE opportunities in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering, as well as traditional trades.

Incumbent Phil Cowee, the current board president running in District 3, emphasized that while jobs in technical fields are increasing, the district faces limitations in providing enough CTE options. He also pointed to disparities in how student proficiency is measured statewide.

“One of the things we hear about is the failure of students in high school proficiency,” Cowee said, explaining how Nevada’s ACT scores test 100 percent of graduates while other states, like California, test far fewer.

“It’s not a fair measure for our students.”

Neal McIntyre II, a District 7 candidate whose family has lived in Fernley for generations, echoed Cowee’s concerns, calling for more auto shop, construction, and vocational programs.

“We need to make these kids successful in our communities, whether that’s in the trades or professions,” he said.

Other candidates, like Elmer Bull of Yerington (District 5), supported CTE as an alternative to college. He emphasized teacher morale and retention as critical factors in improving school performance.

Shanna Shroeder, a candidate in District 1, acknowledged the importance of providing students with diplomas and ensuring postsecondary success, as District 3 challenger Dawn Carson, a teacher at Carson High School, focused on the need for mental health resources, smaller class sizes, and improved support for teachers.

Incumbent Sherry Parsons, running for re-election in District 1, reflected on her eight years of service, highlighting her work on increasing computer access for students, staff wages, and bus drivers.

As the November election approaches, these candidates are eager to address the district’s challenges and provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.