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- 🏫 Clark County School District Faces Low Proficiency Rates Amid Safety and Attendance Issues
🏫 Clark County School District Faces Low Proficiency Rates Amid Safety and Attendance Issues
Issue #284 - September 16, 2024
John Wu
16 Sep
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📆 Weekly Local Events for September 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 7PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🏫 Clark County School District Faces Low Proficiency Rates Amid Safety and Attendance Issues
The Nevada Department of Education has released the 2023-24 school year performance results, revealing that less than a third of Clark County School District (CCSD) students in grades three through eight are proficient in math, and only 39 percent are proficient in English language arts. The situation is even more concerning in science, with less than a quarter of students in grades five through eight demonstrating proficiency.
These figures place CCSD below state averages, as the district serves 63.5 percent of Nevada’s student population. Statewide, 32.6 percent of students in grades three through eight are proficient in math, and 41.3 percent are proficient in English language arts, slightly higher than the district’s numbers. The results continue to show a gap between CCSD and national performance. According to 2022 national data, 36 percent of fourth-grade students were proficient in math, 37 percent in reading, and 35 percent of eighth graders were proficient in science.
While the district struggles with proficiency, Nevada saw modest gains compared to the previous academic year. Math proficiency improved by 1.3 percentage points, and English language arts proficiency rose by 0.3 percentage points. Despite these small improvements, overall performance remains a challenge. "These results are moving in the right direction," said Jhone Ebert, Nevada's Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a press release. "The Nevada Department of Education is committed to using this data to monitor academic performance and inform initiatives to improve student outcomes across our state."
Disparities in Performance
Breaking down the performance by ethnicity, the report highlighted some positive trends. The largest gains in math proficiency were among Asian students, who improved by 2.2 percentage points, and Black students, who saw a 2.1 percentage point increase. In English language arts, Black students improved by 1.3 percentage points over the previous year.
However, proficiency rates varied depending on the grade level. In CCSD, elementary students fared better in math, with a proficiency rate of 36.7 percent, but this dropped sharply in middle school to 24.9 percent and fell further to 19.4 percent in high school. English language arts proficiency showed a similar trend: 42.2 percent of elementary students were proficient, compared to 37.8 percent in middle school, and 46.6 percent in high school.
College Readiness and English Learners
College readiness remains a concern in the district, particularly in math. Among eleventh graders, fewer than one in five demonstrated proficiency in math on the ACT, an exam used to measure college readiness. In contrast, nearly half—46.3 percent—were proficient in English language arts. The situation was particularly challenging for English language learners, with only 7 percent achieving proficiency in English.
Class Sizes and School Quality
Overcrowded classrooms have long been a concern for CCSD, and the latest data reinforces this issue. The average class size for both the state and CCSD is just over 20 students, with science classes averaging the largest size at 23 students per class. The student-to-teacher ratio remains 21 to one, underscoring the district’s ongoing challenges in managing classroom sizes effectively.
Despite the overall decline in student performance, some schools in the district saw improvements. The number of CCSD schools rated four stars out of the state’s five-star rating system increased by 4.1 percentage points. Six schools managed to boost their ratings by two stars. However, the overall trend is concerning: half of Nevada’s schools—50.2 percent—are rated in the bottom two categories of the five-star system, a 15-point increase over the past five years. Conversely, schools in the top two categories, rated four or five stars, have decreased by nearly seven percentage points in the same period, now accounting for just 21.9 percent of schools.
Graduation rates in Clark County also showed a decline, dropping four percentage points over the last five years. The 2023 graduation rate of 81.5 percent is consistent with the statewide average, but still highlights a downward trend in student success.
Absenteeism and Transient Rates
Chronic absenteeism continues to plague the district. Nearly one in three students in CCSD missed 10 percent or more of school days during the 2023-24 academic year, a higher rate than the rest of the state, where one in four students were chronically absent. Despite this, the average daily attendance for both Clark County and Nevada remains above 92 percent.
CCSD also reported a higher transient rate—representing the number of students who do not stay enrolled for the entire school year—at 29 percent, compared to the state’s 25.7 percent. This instability in student enrollment presents additional challenges for both educators and administrators.
Safety Measures and Incidents
Safety has been a significant focus for CCSD this school year. New initiatives include mandatory ID badges and the installation of weapons detection systems in schools. These measures come in response to rising concerns about violence. The district recorded 7,000 incidents of violence during the 2023-24 academic year, with 739 involving weapons. In August alone, CCSD confiscated 23 weapons, underscoring the need for continued focus on student safety.
🏈 Minshew and Adams Lead Raiders' Dramatic 26-23 Upset Over Ravens
Antonio Pierce delivered a clear message to the Las Vegas Raiders in the lead-up to their thrilling 26-23 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday: to beat one of the NFL's top teams and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, they needed flawless execution in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams.
“We need all three units to play at their best,” Pierce emphasized.
While the Raiders ultimately followed his advice, their path to victory wasn’t smooth. After a sluggish and ineffective first half, the Raiders found themselves trailing 23-13 with just over 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter. But that’s when the offense finally clicked.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew, after struggling early, found his rhythm and began delivering critical passes. Wide receiver Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers came through with clutch catches, leading the team to an impressive comeback.
The Raiders scored 13 points in the final quarter, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure their first win of the 2024 season. It marked the first time since 2016 that the team had successfully mounted such a fourth-quarter rally.
“It was just awesome to see those guys respond,” said defensive end Maxx Crosby, who was a key figure in keeping the Raiders competitive throughout the game.
Defensive and Special Teams Stand Out
The Raiders’ late-game surge was made possible by an outstanding defensive performance led by Crosby. He was a dominant force, recording two sacks, six tackles, and a deflected pass. His efforts helped contain Lamar Jackson, who threw for 247 yards but never fully took over the game.
“Maxx is like an animal,” Minshew said of his teammate, who helped stifle Baltimore’s offense in key moments.
Special teams also played a crucial role in the victory. Kicker Daniel Carlson was perfect, making all four of his field goal attempts, including a game-winning 38-yarder with just 31 seconds left on the clock. Punter AJ Cole also played a part, consistently flipping field position for the Raiders.
“It’s awesome, especially on the road,” Carlson said. “Great job by the offense and defense and everybody setting it up and making my job easier by getting it closer, and then the defense making some awesome plays to close out the game.”
Heart and Resilience
Despite the thrilling win, the Raiders were far from perfect. Their ground game was virtually non-existent, managing just 27 yards on 17 carries, and Minshew was sacked five times. Still, the team found a way to win through gritty play across all phases.
“I call it complementary football,” linebacker Robert Spillane said, describing how all parts of the team worked together to secure the win.
Spillane demonstrated this approach in the third quarter when he intercepted Jackson at the Ravens’ 46-yard line. The Raiders capitalized on the turnover with a 1-yard touchdown run by Alexander Mattison, narrowing the Ravens’ lead to 16-13 late in the third quarter.
“We get a turnover and our offense goes down and gets seven points,” said Spillane, who also led the team with 10 tackles. “That’s how we have to win games.”
This formula—strong defense leading to key offensive opportunities—is what the Raiders need to succeed. Once the team found its groove, particularly in the second half, momentum began to swing in their favor.
Adams and Minshew Lead Offensive Revival
Davante Adams played a pivotal role in the Raiders’ late offensive surge. He finished the game with nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, and he drew two critical pass interference calls. One of those penalties came on a third-and-17 play with 4:03 left in the game and the Raiders down 23-16. The flag moved the ball to the 1-yard line, where Minshew connected with Adams for the game-tying touchdown on the next play.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Crosby, reflecting on the team’s collective effort. “We’re all in this together. It’s a team sport. That’s why football is the greatest sport in the world.”
After tying the game, the Raiders’ defense forced a crucial three-and-out on Baltimore’s next drive, setting up the offense for a game-winning drive. With 2:21 left, Minshew and the offense moved into position for Carlson’s go-ahead field goal, capping off the stunning 13-0 run in the fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead
The victory puts the Raiders at 1-1 as they head back to Las Vegas with renewed energy, avoiding a dreaded 0-2 start. They’ll host the Carolina Panthers (0-2) and the Cleveland Browns (1-1) in the coming weeks at Allegiant Stadium, hoping to build on their newfound momentum.
“It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t pretty,” Crosby said. “But we found a way.”
🎰 From Fontainebleau to Sahara: How Major Las Vegas Resort Deals Fell Apart
Casino investors often pay enormous sums to own resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, drawn by the potential for huge financial returns from these high-profile properties. However, not every real estate deal on Las Vegas Boulevard turns out to be a success. Here’s a look at three major high-priced sales that didn't go as planned:
Fontainebleau (2017)
The Fontainebleau, a long-stalled luxury hotel and casino project, changed hands several times before finally opening — but not under its 2017 buyer, Steve Witkoff. Witkoff, a developer, purchased the unfinished Fontainebleau for $600 million that year, raising hopes that the long-dormant project would be completed. He rebranded it as "Drew Las Vegas," with plans to feature two Marriott hotel brands and an opening slated for late 2020.
However, delays set in, and the opening was pushed back to 2022. Witkoff was close to securing a $2 billion construction loan by early 2020, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, construction was suspended, leaving the project in limbo. Legal issues followed, including liens and lawsuits, further complicating the development.
In early 2021, the original developer of the Fontainebleau, Jeffrey Soffer, teamed up with Koch Industries’ real estate division to reacquire the property for $350 million. They gained ownership through a “deed in lieu of foreclosure,” essentially taking over the project from Witkoff. Soffer, who had originally broken ground on the Fontainebleau in 2007 before it went bankrupt in 2009, completed the project. The 67-story luxury resort finally opened its doors last year, marking the end of a tumultuous journey.
New Frontier (2007)
In 2007, casino owner Phil Ruffin sold the New Frontier hotel-casino for a whopping $1.24 billion to Israeli investors, who had ambitious plans to redevelop the property. After imploding the New Frontier in November of that year, the investors unveiled plans for a multibillion-dollar resort branded under the Plaza name, featuring 4,100 hotel rooms, 2,600 resort-condo units, and over 1 million square feet of combined convention, retail, restaurant, and casino space.
However, those plans came crashing down when the Las Vegas real estate bubble burst, followed by the global financial crisis. The ambitious project was never built, and the property sat vacant for years.
In 2014, Australian billionaire James Packer and his partners acquired the site through a foreclosure process. Packer also intended to build a large resort but struggled to secure the necessary funding. His former casino company, Crown Resorts, abandoned the project in 2016, and the land was once again put up for sale.
Eventually, Wynn Resorts stepped in, purchasing the site along with adjacent property for $336 million. Despite the acquisition, Wynn Resorts has not yet developed a new project on the site.
Sahara (2007)
In another high-profile deal, hotel and nightclub operator Sam Nazarian partnered with Stockbridge Capital Group to purchase the aging Sahara hotel-casino for $345 million in 2007. However, the economic downturn that followed proved too much for the property, and the Sahara was shuttered in 2011. At the time, Nazarian stated that the continued operation of the old hotel was “no longer economically viable.”
In 2012, the owners announced plans to redevelop the property into the SLS Las Vegas, with a $300 million investment. The SLS opened in August 2014 with much fanfare, but operational issues emerged shortly after. By October, the SLS had replaced its president, Rob Oseland, who left to join another project. Around the same time, Stockbridge Capital announced that Nazarian would step back from his daily involvement in the resort.
Further setbacks followed. Retailer Fred Segal’s seven stores at the SLS closed within a year of the resort’s opening, and the property posted a $122.7 million loss during the first nine months of 2015.
In 2018, casino owner Alex Meruelo, who also owns the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, acquired the SLS and rebranded it back to its original name, Sahara Las Vegas. Meruelo made it clear he wanted to distance the property from its troubled past, going so far as to demolish a "Sam by Starck" statue in front of the hotel in 2019, symbolically erasing the legacy of Nazarian’s involvement in the SLS project.
❎ Assassination Attempt Thwarted: Suspect Arrested with Rifle Near GOP Candidate in Florida
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is at the center of a troubling story that spans years of shifting political ideologies, a criminal past, and a recent assassination attempt against the GOP presidential nominee. Arrested on Sunday and charged on Monday, Routh allegedly stalked the nominee while carrying an AK-47-style rifle at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Secret Service intervened, thwarting what appeared to be a plan to assassinate the former president.
Routh, who spent most of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina, and later moved to Kaaawa, Hawaii, has a vast online presence that paints a picture of a man whose political views varied over the years. His online posts and self-published writings show a complex relationship with U.S. politics and international affairs. Once a supporter of Donald Trump, Routh eventually grew disillusioned with the former president, expressing anger over events like the January 6 Capitol riot and Trump's handling of the Iran nuclear deal.
In his 2023 self-published book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh openly criticized Trump, calling him a “fool” and “buffoon.” He went so far as to call for Trump's assassination by Iran, a clear indication of his radical shift away from earlier support. Despite his disillusionment with Trump, Routh’s political stance was far from consistent, showing support for various figures from both sides of the political spectrum, including Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Nikki Haley.
A Shifting Political Identity
Voter records indicate that Routh registered as unaffiliated in North Carolina in 2012, participating in the Democratic primary as recently as March 2020. His 500-plus posts on X (formerly Twitter) highlight his fluctuating views, from support for Trump to an eventual embrace of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. In one post in April 2023, Routh declared that “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose,” while advocating for Biden's re-election.
Routh’s actions and rhetoric extended beyond domestic politics. A vocal supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, Routh frequently posted about the conflict and even tried to recruit volunteers to fight for Ukraine. He operated a website soliciting donations and assistance for the Ukrainian cause and appeared at protests in Kyiv, Ukraine, during the early months of the Russian invasion in 2022. Despite his involvement, Ukrainian military officials said he never served in the Ukrainian army, dismissing his ideas as delusional.
A Troubled Past
Routh’s criminal history includes several felony convictions, dating back to a 2002 incident in which he was arrested for possessing a fully automatic machine gun. According to reports, he had fled from police during a traffic stop and held officers at bay for three hours with the weapon. His criminal record includes convictions for possession of stolen goods, carrying a concealed weapon, hit-and-run, and driving with a revoked license. Despite these offenses, Routh avoided prison time, receiving probation or suspended sentences in most cases.
How Routh was able to acquire a firearm, given his felony convictions, remains unclear. In most states, convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing guns.
Life in Hawaii
In 2018, Routh moved to Kaaawa, Hawaii, where he partnered with his adult son to build small wooden sheds intended to help alleviate the state's homelessness crisis. He was vocal about Hawaii’s gentrification and homelessness problem, speaking to local media in 2019 about his desire to provide solutions for those without shelter.
Living in a blue stucco house near the beach, adorned with cutouts of fish, Routh appeared to keep a low profile in his new community. Neighbor Christopher Tam described him as respectful and kind, expressing shock at Routh’s arrest. A white pickup truck with a Biden-Harris bumper sticker sat in his driveway, a symbol of his political leanings in recent years.
An Unraveling Story
Routh’s life, marked by political volatility and criminal activity, came to a head with his recent assassination attempt. His online presence, which includes frequent commentary on geopolitical issues like Ukraine, North Korea, and Hong Kong, suggests a man driven by outrage and a desire for radical change. From writing an anti-Trump book to tweeting about global conflicts, Routh’s erratic behavior and history of violence have culminated in this dangerous episode.
As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about Routh’s motivations, mental state, and how his life took such a dark turn.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: September 6, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - August 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
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Until next time, John Wu.