Las Vegas event to tackle failing schools and the power of parents

By Kristen Kniep

Nevada News and Views

Nevada parents are tired of being told to sit down and stay quiet when it comes to their kids’ education.

Now they’re getting ready to gather in Las Vegas for a powerful conversation about school choice, parental rights, and community leadership.

On Tuesday, August 26, Americans for Prosperity—Nevada (AFP) will host a Prosperity Talks event at Aqua Bar & Grill on South Las Vegas Boulevard.

The topic: how parents can reclaim control over their children’s education and help build a stronger Nevada for the next generation.

The Two Women Leading the Conversation

The panel will feature Lorena Biassotti, a Clark County School Board Trustee and Director of My Children’s Advocate, and Erica Neely, a small business owner, homeschool mom, and candidate for assembly during the last election cycle.

Biassotti has been a strong voice for parents in Clark County, pushing back against a system that has long ranked near the bottom nationwide. As CCSD continues to struggle with low test scores and high dropout rates, she’s made it her mission to stand up for families who feel ignored.

Neely brings the perspective of a parent who chose a different path. By homeschooling her children, she’s seen firsthand how school choice can give families the freedom to shape education around their values. She’s also a vocal advocate for liberty, family involvement, and local leadership.

The discussion will be moderated by Eva Sara Landau, with a special opening from Steven Allen, AFP’s Grassroots Engagement Director.

The School Choice Movement in Nevada

This event comes as Nevada’s education system faces mounting criticism.

According to Education Week’s 2024 Quality Counts report, Nevada public schools earned a D+, with particularly poor marks in student achievement.

Parents across the state say their kids are trapped in a broken system.

Governor Joe Lombardo has been pushing for reforms, including expanding Opportunity Scholarships for low-income families. Supporters argue this is common sense, especially when CCSD continues to lag behind.

But teachers’ unions and Democratic lawmakers remain opposed, claiming school choice “defunds” public schools.

Critics say giving families options will hurt the majority of students still enrolled in CCSD.

Parents counter that it’s unfair to force kids to stay in failing schools while waiting for the system to fix itself.

More Than Education — It’s About Parental Rights

The Prosperity Talks event isn’t just about test scores. It’s about who makes decisions for Nevada’s children.

Parents across the country are pushing back against government overreach, whether it’s controversial lessons in the classroom, school boards ignoring concerns, or policies that sideline families.

Biassotti and Neely both plan to speak to those frustrations.

Parents who speak up at school board meetings often feel dismissed, or worse, branded as “extremists.”

This event is designed to show that ordinary moms and dads are not alone. They’re part of a growing movement to put families first.

Building a Stronger Nevada

Organizers say this event is about solutions and action.

It’s about building community and connecting parents who are ready to take a stand.

AFP Nevada will provide complimentary food and soft drinks, with an open bar available for purchase. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

The goal is to give parents the tools and confidence to speak up, get organized, and make sure their voices are heard at every level of government.

Nevada families face a choice: keep waiting for the education system to improve or take matters into their own hands.

The Prosperity Talks panel promises to give parents inspiration, strategies, and a reminder that they are the first and most important leaders in their children’s lives.