Press Release: The State of Public Education 2025

(Carson City, Nevada) — As Governor Lombardo prepares to deliver his State of the State address, public education remains a top priority for Nevada. The 83rd Legislative Session presents an opportunity to address critical issues like passing the plan for optimal funding, universal pre-K, class size reduction, charter school accountability, and universal free meals. Proposals introduced by Democratic Leadership will help ensure that our goals are met in a way that prioritizes long-term success for Nevada’s students.

“Last Session, our Time For 20 campaign secured historic salary increases for educators across the state, and this upcoming Session presents an opportunity to build on that progress by making those raises permanent and meaningfully addressing class size reduction,” said Dawn Etcheverry, President of the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA). 

“While NSEA and our many school district partners made strides in improving educator salaries, Nevada remains near the bottom of states in education funding, with the largest class sizes and the highest educator vacancy rates in the nation.”

Despite recent increases, Nevada remains $4,000 per pupil below the national average, hindering progress in achievement and class sizes. 

“Back in 2022, the Commission on School Funding outlined a clear roadmap to achieve optimal funding; the Governor and Legislature must pass the plan this Session,” added Etcheverry. 

To meet the recommendations made by the Commission, Nevada needs an additional investment of $604 million for the upcoming biennium and $2.47 billion annually to reach the national average within a decade. Policymakers must avoid proposals that divert public dollars into private interests such as stadium vouchers, private school vouchers, and Hollywood giveaways. Last session, we asked whether the Governor prioritized schools or stadiums. This Session, educators hope he will choose schools over studios and realign Nevada’s priorities to achieve optimal funding.

Governor Lombardo also has an opportunity to adopt the recommendations of his own K-12 Education Audit (Review of Nevada’s 17 Public School Districts and the State Public Charter School Authority), particularly regarding the extension and expansion of universal school meals. Free, nutritious meals for all students have proven benefits, including enhanced learning, healthier eating habits, and improved health outcomes. Providing school meals for all ensures the focus remains on nutrition and students, not stigmas or bureaucracy. Food is a fundamental resource for student success, and the Governor must correct what was arguably one of the most harmful vetoes of the last legislative session.

Throughout Session, educators from across the state will amplify their voices, sharing powerful stories and firsthand experiences that highlight the pressing needs of our schools, the challenges faced by educators, and the resources required to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. We hope their insights will serve as a call to action, reminding our elected officials that meaningful change begins with listening to those on the front lines of education and prioritizing the needs of our public schools, educators, and students.