Strengthen our Community (SoC) exists to develop cooperative, caring solutions to regional needs—especially in education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability. In 2025, we sharpened our strategic focus by identifying the community challenges where collaboration, data, and aligned partners can drive measurable results. Working alongside the Washoe County School District (WCSD), local governments, nonprofits, and employers, we continued building the partnerships and infrastructure needed to sustain progress in 2026 and beyond.
2025 Highlights: Measurable Progress Across Priority Issues
SoC’s 2025 work centered on student success, family stability, and systems-level solutions that help more people—not just one “starfish” at a time.
Education & Attendance
- Chronic absenteeism reduced to 19% (down from 28% in 2023)
- 5,000+ students re-engaged since 2023
- Expanded support in middle schools: 13 of 17 now have a site coordinator/engagement specialist (up from 4 in 2023)
- Helped remove a key barrier by encouraging free RTC bus access for WCSD students
- Supported a statewide awareness push: 1,000+ TV spots and 10,000 radio spots promoting attendance
Student Health & Mental Health
- Care Solace coverage for all WCSD students, reducing average wait times from six months to ~11 days
- Continued work to expand in-school and on-site health services in 2026
Early Learning, Childcare & Family Well-Being
- Developed a 2026 Pre-K expansion plan for 700 new slots, advancing toward universal Pre-K by 2030
- Advanced childcare solutions through employer-based and in-home models, including City of Reno code changes to lower barriers
- Stabilized family supports by retaining Family Resource Centers and strengthening Communities In Schools coordination
Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2026+
SoC is carrying 2025’s momentum forward with clear next steps: expand site coordinators in every middle school, accelerate universal Pre-K, scale on-site student health, grow childcare capacity, strengthen the educator workforce, and continue innovation through the Brain Health Initiative, dyslexia early supports, and arts integration that deepens connection and engagement across our community.
