Today our comments relate to your item on the impact of COVID 19 on school districts. Unfortunately, there is no sugarcoating it. The state of public education is dire. For decades, Nevada has ranked near the bottom of states in education funding and quality, and many districts, especially here in Clark, have long had a shortage of teachers and other educators. But with all that has come with the COVID pandemic, we are amidst an unprecedented shortage of educators to teach our kids and make our schools run. Today, CCSD lists over 2000 vacant positions, with over 1400 of those licensed.
Nevada needs bold action to address the crisis in public schools. It’s Time for 20.
Time for 20 means a 20% increase in educator pay and at least $20/hour for the workers who make our school run. Time for 20 means reaching an average class size of 20 students in core academic subjects.
Let’s consider the severity of the situation for Nevada educators.
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The Economic Policy Institute reports public school teachers are paid 19.2% less than similar workers in other occupations.
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According to the National Education Association’s Ranking of the States, Nevada public school teachers make nearly $7500 below the national average and $27,000 less than neighboring California.
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Nevada has some of the largest class sizes in the country, with some of the highest concentrations of at-risk students and English learners in the country.
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Meanwhile, a substitute teacher shortage has left countless classrooms with no teacher at all, forcing remaining staff, or even our Lt. Governor, to cover additional classes.
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The latest inflation data shows prices are climbing at the fastest pace in 40 years, with CPI now at 7.5%. Home and rent prices have skyrocketed across Nevada, with average rents up over 20% over the last year.
There are efforts across the country right now to raise educator pay to address the educator shortage. In recent weeks, New Mexico increased educator pay by an average of 20%. Nevada’s school crisis requires a response of this magnitude. We can no longer expect Massachusetts results while spending Mississippi money. It’s Time for 20 to invest in our educators and truly meet this moment of crisis in Nevada schools.
