Memo: NSEA Supports Senate Bill 267

Over the last several legislative sessions, Nevada has taken significant steps to deliver more equity in public education by providing additional resources and services to students and communities with greater need. Zoom and Victory Schools and the New Nevada Plan are models to address education needs of English learners, students in poverty, and students with individualized education plans. In all our schools, there has been a focus on social and emotional learning to continue to build safe and respectful learning environments.

However, poverty is still prevalent across Nevada, as most Nevada students qualify for free and reduced lunch (statewide in 2017-2018 it was 57.75%, CCSD was significantly higher with 62.44% according to Nevada’s Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program information). Racism, sexism, and homophobia in our communities intersect with crime, violence, and addiction intersect with lack of economic opportunity, homelessness, poor health and trauma.

Schools in communities that are beset with these social and environmental factors often struggle despite the best efforts of very capable administrators, teachers and education support professionals, and students and their families. SB267 is an important step to continue our path at identifying and addressing these issues.