Top Sandoval adviser to lead national anti-dropout group

A top adviser to Gov. Brian Sandoval who’s credited with designing a slate of education reforms that the Legislature passed last year is leaving to lead a national anti-dropout organization.

Former Nevada state superintendent Dale Erquiaga is leaving his post as Sandoval’s chief strategy officer for the top job at Communities in Schools. He’ll start Nov. 1.

The organization is a network of 161 independent organizations that operate in more than 2,300 schools, including ones in Nevada. It aims to keep at-risk students in school.

Nevada State Board of Education Chairwoman Elaine Wynn is also the board chair of Communities in Schools.

Sandoval said he’ll miss Erquiaga but is proud his friend is taking an expanded role on the national stage.