NDE and WCSD Announce Settlement to Support Students with Special Needs

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Nevada Department of Education and Washoe County School District Announce Agreement to Support Students with Special Needs

January 16, 2026

RENO, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and Washoe County School District (WCSD) announced today 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’s 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.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

About the Washoe County School District

The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 60,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to its promise: We will know every student by name, strength and need so they graduate prepared for the future they choose, and we will deliver on this promise in partnership with our families and community. For more information visit: www.washoeschools.net.

Julie Wootton-Greener Public Information Officer

702-486-6602 Victoria Campbell Washoe County School District

775-333-3789