Our Projects
Cost Savings Study in Nevada
The Challenge
One of the largest school districts in Nevada was at a turning point. After decades of rapid growth, changing demographics, and economic strain, the district faced stagnant funding, underperforming student achievement, and persistent inefficiencies across operational and academic systems. Amid these challenges, a new superintendent launched an ambitious reform agenda centered on performance, accountability, and return on investment. To inform this transformation, the district commissioned Gibson to identify actionable opportunities for cost savings and academic improvement.
Our Support
Gibson led a five-month, districtwide educational and operational efficiency assessment designed to deliver high-impact recommendations within a condensed timeline. Our multidisciplinary team, supported by national partners, executed a robust methodology including:
A comprehensive student performance analysis, benchmarking the district against peer districts;
A full-scale operational cost efficiency review across departments like transportation, food services, human resources, and facilities;
A budget process and transparency audit to align spending with academic goals;
A review of academic programs, assessments, and professional development to improve alignment and return on investment;
Development of a data dashboard prototype to support future performance monitoring.
We conducted over 260 interviews, reviewed more than 1,000 district documents, and analyzed student-level performance data to ensure recommendations were data-driven and grounded in district realities.
Results
The final report provided clear, actionable pathways to save or reallocate over $50 million annually in the district’s General Fund, with projected cumulative savings exceeding $160 million over five years. Key outcomes included:
Identification of efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities across transportation, custodial services, technology systems, and maintenance;
Strategic reinvestment recommendations to improve student outcomes through more focused programs, aligned assessments, and streamlined professional development;
A roadmap for data infrastructure improvements, including the implementation of integrated HR/payroll and student information systems;
A proposed shift to performance-based budgeting and expanded school-level resource flexibility.
The study helped the district prioritize reforms already underway, validated new investments in data systems and instructional alignment, and laid the groundwork for sustainable, performance-oriented governance.
Learn More
Full study reports, executive summary, and additional analyses can be accessed via the school district website: Educational and Operational Efficiency Study