Key Takeaways
- “The Nevada State Education Association, representing educators across the state, commends Governor Sisolak for this initial step of addressing educator salaries,” said NSEA President Ruben Murillo. “We also appreciate increases to programs that have a direct impact on student success.”
(Carson City, NV)— In his 2019 State of the State address and budget introduction, Governor Sisolak proposed additional funding for education, including a 3% salary increase for K-12 education personnel next fiscal year. The Governor’s budget proposes increases to the weighted funding formula, career and technical education, literacy support related to Read by 3, and the classroom supply reimbursement program.
Despite recent efforts to address school funding, Nevada continues to rank near the bottom of states in per-pupil expenditures. Last year, school districts across the state struggled to close budget deficits and left educators with little room for salaries and benefits.
NSEA was one of the strongest voices in Carson City for increased school funding during the last session and recognizes there is still much work to be done on education funding. NSEA will continue to call attention to the IP1 room tax money that was intended to supplement, not supplant, education spending. NSEA is concerned the proposed per-pupil spending increases for the next biennium are projected to be outpaced by inflation. The lack of base funding for education could mean school districts across the state will again be forced to make difficult budget cuts by 2020.
NSEA commits to work with Governor Sisolak and legislators to ensure students benefit from reasonable class sizes and teachers and ESPs have competitive salaries and benefits. This is going to require a renewed investment in our students and schools, otherwise, Nevada will continue to face a vexing teacher and staff shortage, overcrowded classrooms, and the needs of diverse student populations left unmet.
The Nevada Constitution requires that all public schools receive adequate funding to fulfill their duty to educate every Nevada student. NSEA will continue our work to make sure Nevada moves the needle to provide adequate funding for the basic operation of public schools, so that every Nevada student has access to a high-quality public education.
