Kamilah Bywaters

Kamilah Bywaters was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned a high school diploma from Rancho High School, a bachelor's degree from Howard University in 2006, a graduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2008, and a graduate degree from the Howard University School of Divinity in 2014. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

As of 2024, Bywaters was affiliated with the Las Vegas Alliance of Black School Educators, National Action Network-LV, and the National Association for Equal Justice in America.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kamilah Bywaters is a native of Las Vegas and a graduate of Rancho High School in the Clark County School District. She pursued higher education at Howard University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Howard University School of Divinity.

Bywaters is a dedicated educator, scholar, and community leader committed to expanding educational opportunities for all students. She has served as a K–12 licensed special education teacher in diverse settings, including the Clark County School District, the District of Columbia Public Schools, and local charter schools, giving her a strong understanding of the challenges facing students, families, and educators.

She holds a Master of Education and a Master of Divinity and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Special Education. She co-authored “Preparing to Engage in Culturally Sustaining Practices in Urban Education Environments,” reflecting her commitment to inclusive and equitable education.

Bywaters serves as the Co-Chair of the Las Vegas Alliance of Black School Educators (LVABSE) and has held leadership roles with the National Action Network and the National Association of Equal Justice in America.

She is running for the Assembly District 2 because she believes that our community needs strong leaders who will listen to their community and bring solutions to their most pressing challenges.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I was born and raised in Nevada and grew up in a Democratic household that shaped my commitment to community and public service. For over 10 years, I have worked alongside students, families, educators, and administrators to support education in our community. That experience has prepared me to fight for working families who often feel unheard. I am committed to bridging the gap between everyday people and the legislative process by ensuring their voices are reflected in the decisions that impact their lives.I am authentic, accessible, and focused on the issues that matter most to our community such as, affordable housing, strong public education, good-paying jobs, small business growth, and affordable healthcare. I understand the real challenges families are facing, from rising costs to community safety. My track record of service has prepared me to listen, collaborate, and work with people across different perspectives to deliver solutions that move our community forward.I’ve done the work, and I’m ready to serve. I have a background in education, I’m completing my PhD, and I’ve spent years building real relationships in this community. But more importantly, I show up. I listen, I stay engaged, and I take what people share with me seriously. I want people in this district to feel like they actually have someone representing them—someone who will take their concerns and turn them into action.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m most passionate about the issues that affect everyday families such as education, affordable housing, economic opportunity, healthcare, and women’s rights. As an educator, improving our school system is deeply personal to me, but I also understand how connected these issues are. When families can’t afford housing or healthcare, it impacts everything, including a child’s ability to succeed in school. That’s why I approach policy with the whole family in mind.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to be endorsed by

Emilys List

Nevada State Education Association (NSEA)

IATSE Local 720

Native Voters Alliance (NVAN)

Nevada State AFL-CIO

Armed Forces Chamber

Nevada Now

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Kamilah Bywaters. Born and raised in Las Vegas, I am a proud graduate of Rancho High School. I am family-centered, with two children currently attending public school in the Clark County School District. My father, who was a special education teacher at Rancho High School, inspired me to pursue a career in special education. His dedication and passion for teaching have been a guiding influence in my own journey as an educator. I furthered my education at Howard University, then earned a Masters in Education with a focus on special education at UNLV. I also hold a Masters in Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity and am currently finishing my PhD in special education at UNLV. As a licensed special education teacher, I have dedicated myself to serving the Las Vegas community through leadership roles in local organizations and active participation in school board meetings. I am deeply invested in the education system, with two children attending schools in the Clark County School District. My journey has been driven by a commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students. I am passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive educational system.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am committed to being a strong advocate for our students and their families, teachers, support staff, administrators, and stakeholders. I will work to ensure that every child receives the quality education they deserve, regardless of their background or abilities. By listening to our community and understanding their needs, I will champion policies that support and uplift all students.Transparency and accountability are at the heart of my campaign. We achieve this goal by unifying and working together. I believe that our school board must work together with our entire educational community, making decisions that are in the best interest of our children and our community. I will push for clear communication, responsible budgeting, and measurable outcomes to ensure that our schools are operating effectively and efficiently.Every student has the potential to achieve great things. My goal is to create an environment where all students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By focusing on innovative teaching methods, providing necessary resources, and fostering a culture of high expectations, I will work to improve educational outcomes and close achievement gaps. It’s important to me that we prepare our students to be able to compete in a global community and prepare them now, and for the future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about creating equitable access to high-quality education for all students, regardless of their income or background. This includes advocating for funding that supports under-resourced schools, diverse and inclusive curriculums, and initiatives that close achievement gaps. Every student should have access to high-quality resources.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my dad! He passed away in 2020. He is the reason I became a special education teacher. I am always reminded of his compassion and love for teaching. My dad was always positive and woke up every morning excited to teach at Rancho High School.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials should value the humanity of each individual. They should lead with compassion and willingness to listen to the needs of the community. Elected officials are not in office to implement their plans, they are in office to implement the plans of the broader community. Elected officials should be social justice oriented, and available to the community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I bring a robust and diverse educational background to my candidacy. As a licensed special education teacher, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's in Education, and a Master's in Divinity. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Special Education. My academic journey has equipped me with extensive research and teaching experience, including instructing college-level courses to pre-service teachers preparing for careers in special education.

I am deeply committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I am passionate about fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. My dedication to advocacy is matched by my compassion and my ability to bring people together to work towards common goals. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I am driven to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in our educational system.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

School Board Trustees are responsible for supervising the Superintendent of the Clark County School District. School Board members should have informed oversight of the operations of the district. They also implement policies that are aligned with their strategic vision. School Board members

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The role of the school board Trustees is to exercise informed oversight of the Board's vision, achievement, support strategies, effective programs, processes, and operations, and to ensure improved learning for all schools. The board should also engage with the family and community. The Board also develops governing policies addressing educational outcomes, programming, governance, and Board/Superintendent roles.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

Many of the policies need to be followed. One in particular is SE-10, Communication and Support to the Board. In the past, Board members have stated that they have not been informed about the district process. According to SE-10, the Superintendent must ensure that the Board is informed and supported in its work. The policies related to the agenda should be reviewed and updated. I would like to propose that reference materials for agenda items are provided 2-weeks in advance of the scheduled board meeting.

I would also like to see an updated policy on the procedures for school board Trustees and visits to the schools they represent.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Plan Action, Nevada Now PAC, The United Brotherhood of Carpenters - Local 1977, Independent Black Voters, Veterans in Politics International, Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families Caucus, Nevada Veterans Association, Armed Forces Chamber, Southern Nevada Labor Council AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada, Hispanics in Politics, Make the Road Action Nevada, Nevada State Education Association, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 720, Culinary Workers Union Local 226, Bartenders Union Local 165, Teamsters of Southern Nevada, SEIU Local 1107, Teamsters of Southern Nevada, Sheet Metal Workers, Silver State Equality, Run For Something, Steve Yeager (Speaker of the Nevada Assembly), Senator Marcia Washington,