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The Washoe County School District proudly recognized 52 exceptional educators during this year’s Parent Teacher Home Visits Conference, honoring their extraordinary commitment to building meaningful connections with students and families across the district.

The group includes teachers, counselors, deans, principals, and Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Liaisons who each completed 20 or more home visits during the 2025–26 school year. In recognition of their dedication, each honoree received a commemorative plaque.

“Family partnerships are at the heart of student achievement,” said program leaders at the event. “These educators have gone above and beyond, stepping outside the classroom to meet families where they are, creating relationships that truly make a difference.”

Through the Parent Teacher Home Visits program, educators connect directly with families in their homes or community settings. These visits go beyond academics; they focus on listening, understanding, and building trust. The result is a deeper connection that helps students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn.

The 52 educators recognized this year demonstrated exceptional dedication by completing a high number of visits, going the extra mile after school hours and on weekends. Their efforts reflect a shared belief that strong relationships with families are essential to student success.

Participants in the home visits program frequently report stronger classroom engagement, improved attendance, and more open communication with families. For many parents, these visits provide an opportunity to share their hopes and goals for their children in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

The awards ceremony was a highlight of the conference, bringing together educators and leaders to celebrate the impact of this important work. Each of the 52 recipients was acknowledged for their leadership, compassion, and commitment to fostering meaningful family partnerships.

Their dedication reflects the best of WCSD’s commitment to supporting every student and building strong connections that help them succeed.

 

Deputy Superintendent Tiffany McMaster M.Ed. has been selected to serve as superintendent of schools for the Washoe County School District (WCSD). At a public meeting, the WCSD Board of Trustees heard public comment and voted unanimously to select McMaster pending contract negotiations with the district. Those negotiations will be discussed and voted upon at a future public meeting of the Board.  

Tiffany McMaster earned her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Nevada, Reno and went on to earn two master’s degrees in teaching and education administration. After joining WCSD, she served as a middle school math teacher, assistant principal, dean of students, math assessment coordinator, and mathematics department lead from August 1998 to June 2013.  

She has gained experience at every education level during her time at WCSD: she served as principal of Westergard Elementary School in 2013, then as principal at Traner Middle School and AACT High School before becoming an area superintendent in 2022 and lead area superintendent in 2024. She was named deputy superintendent in July 2024 under the leadership of current Superintendent Joe Ernst, who announced his retirement earlier this year, effective July 7. 

“It’s a good day for the Washoe County School District, hiring a superintendent who has spent her entire professional career at this district,” said Board President Adam Mayberry. “She is somebody who will bring continuity and stability during a time that this district needs it the most.”

“Working the past two years alongside Superintendent Ernst has given me a front row seat to the work being done,” said McMaster, who will begin her new role on July 8. “I’m so excited about all we’ve accomplished, yet there is more to do. And I know we will do that together as a community as we reach new heights and look at things in new and innovative ways.”

 

Tiffany McMaster, M.Ed.

 

The Washoe County School District proudly celebrates Mt. Rose K‑8 School and Truckee Meadows Community College High School (TMCC HS), which were honored today with the Nevada Blue Ribbon School Award, presented by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE).

The Blue Ribbon Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions a school can receive. For more than four decades, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award was presented by the U.S. Department of Education, honoring more than 9,000 schools nationwide. The final national awards were issued in 2025, and the recognition now continues at the state level, facilitated by the Nevada Department of Education.

The Nevada Blue Ribbon School Award is reserved for schools recognized for Exemplary High Achievement or Exemplary Achievement Gap‑Closing, highlighting outstanding models of public education across the state.

“We are proud of TMCC High School and Mount Rose K-8 Academy of Languages and what this recognition represents for the Washoe County School District. These national honors highlight the strong work happening across our schools to support students and provide meaningful learning opportunities,” says Joe Ernst, Superintendent of WCSD. ‘Our focus remains on ensuring every student, in every school, has access to high-quality instruction and the support they need to succeed.”

Mt. Rose K‑8 was recognized for its strong academic performance and inclusive learning environment that supports student growth at all levels. TMCC High School earned the honor for its rigorous, college-aligned experience that empowers students to achieve at the highest levels.

The Nevada Blue Ribbon designation underscores Washoe County School District’s commitment to high‑quality education and celebrates the exemplary work happening every day at Mt. Rose K‑8 and TMCC High School. The district congratulates the students, staff, and school communities on this well‑deserved achievement.