Memo: NSEA Supports Teacher's School Supply Reimbursement (Budget Item 2717)

The Nevada State Education Association represents teachers and education support professionals across the state. We believe every Nevada student deserves a high-quality public education.

It is well-known that most teachers spend hundreds of dollars every year on supplies for their classroom. A 2016 questionnaire from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 94% of teachers spent their own money on classrooms with an overall average of $479 spent. Teachers at public schools spent more than teachers at charters or private schools. Meanwhile teachers at schools with higher percentages of students eligible for free and reduced lunch spent the most out of pocket.

NSEA would like to note our support of AB237 which would expand eligibility to certain other educators who also spend their own money engaging students. We also support an amendment that would make funds accessible in the beginning of the school year and simplify the process of accessing those funds.