Veteran educator Gary Kaempfer, who has taught government for more than five decades, recently hosted a group of his former students at The Meadows School. The alumni, now candidates in the 2026 Nevada elections, shared their journeys from the classroom to public office.
Teaching civics with balance
Kaempfer, a longtime Clark County School District veteran who joined The Meadows School 19 years ago, says his approach to teaching the Constitution and the role of government is to present “both sides of the issue” so students can form their own judgments. “I don’t take stands,” he told the outlet. “We look at both sides of the issue, and I think kids benefit a lot when they hear both sides.”
Former students now on the ballot
Four seniors from Cimarron‑Memorial High School who once sat in Kaempfer’s government class are now on the ballot:
- Joe Spica – running for Nevada Assembly District 35
- Tya Mathis‑Coleman – candidate for state treasurer
- Calvin Sandoval – seeking the state Senate District 20 seat
- Marilyn Caston – campaigning for an Eighth Judicial District Court judgeship
These races span the legislative, executive and judicial branches, illustrating how a single classroom can influence multiple facets of state government.
Students return to inspire the next generation
The candidates visited Kaempfer’s current class to discuss public service, share personal stories and encourage students to consider civic involvement. Kaempfer expressed pride in their achievements, noting, “I appreciate the fact that oftentimes they said, ‘I learned that in his government class.’”
While Kaempfer does not claim credit for their decisions to run, he hopes his lessons helped them recognize that they can make a difference in their communities and the state. “That, I said, is enough reason to keep showing up for my students,” he added.
Why this matters for Nevada voters
As the 2026 election cycle heats up, the presence of these candidates underscores the importance of civics education in shaping future leaders. Voters in Assembly District 35, the statewide treasurer race, Senate District 20 and the Eighth Judicial District will soon decide whether these former classmates can translate classroom lessons into effective public service.
Kaempfer’s story also highlights a broader trend: teachers who emphasize critical thinking and balanced discussion are helping to produce informed, engaged citizens ready to step into elected and appointed roles. For Nevada families and communities, the message is clear – a solid grounding in constitutional principles can pave the way to meaningful participation in government.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
