Public vs. Private: Nevada high school principals explain secession from state association

Less than a couple weeks ago , around 30 Clark County School District (CCSD) Class 5A/4A Southern high school football programs made the unprecedented move and informed the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) of their intent to go independent status for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. The Clark County schools’ decision to exit the NIAA was centered around avoiding playing neighboring private schools like national powerhouse Bishop Gorman and Faith Lutheran . Now some of the principals of those schools have spoken out regarding the decision made by the county, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal .

“It’s been pretty frustrating,” Centennial (Nev. ) principal Keith Wipperman said via the report. “We feel like this has been a problem for a long time.

We wanted fairness and equity in the rules, and that was just falling on deaf ears. ” CCSD Education Services Division Associate Superintendent Kevin McPartlin also released a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal regarding the Clark County School District teams that decided to go independent for the next two years. “ The Clark County School District (CCSD) supports the decision made by all of our 4A and 5A high school principals to transition their football programs to independent status for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Principals made this decision to stand up for their student-athletes who were playing at a disadvantage. Just as we play by the same rules on the field, we must play by the same rules off the field. “ Currently, the disparities in transfer rules and eligibility requirements between traditional public schools and other member institutions have created an environment that is no longer equitable – and potentially is unsafe – for our students.