It seems fitting that my first issue as editor of Las Vegas Weekly is our Education Issue. Starting a new job is a bit like starting a new school year, even though you’ve done it before there’s still that nervous, itchy excitement that comes with a good smack of the unknown. It’s all so new. And so not.

After all, I’ve spent the last two-and-a-half years as the Weekly’s online editor, watching Scott Dickensheets and his staff create incredible magazines week after week with pride and creativity. It’s an honor and a challenge to follow such an editor, even if he’s only moving across the room.

If you’ve been paying attention in recent months, you’ve already noticed some changes in the magazine—an updated look, new columns debuting and new writers, too. Keep paying attention. As we head into fall, the Weekly will deliver more of the smart, sophisticated stories we’ve become known for, as well as a beefed-up style section, more local dining coverage and nightlife stories to help you make the most of your weekends. We’ll be working hard to make sure there’s plenty to learn about, laugh at and gripe over in these pages every week.

Nevada’s students have their work cut out for them, too. With the first day of school approaching on August 30, this week’s issue looks at the state of education in Nevada. A bargain-basement budget has trickled down to low graduation rates, larger classes and damning test scores that speak bluntly for themselves. So how do we get out of this mess? To answer that very difficult question, Ken Miller sought out some local experts and let them do the talking for a collective brainstorm that veers all over the educational map.

It’s time to go back to school. See you in class.