Public Comment: 2.25.25 Subcommittee On K12/Higher Education/CIP

Letter Submitted by Carson Education Support Association President Kerri Finn

My name is Kerri Finn, and I am a Clinical Aide with the Carson City School District, President of the Carson Educational Support Association, and a member of the SB71 Teacher and ESP Recruitment and Retention Task Force committee. While I am writing to you today to express my personal views, they are shared by many within our education system.

Public schools are available to every child, and that’s where 90% of Nevada students are educated. A high-quality public education system helps address inequalities in opportunity and disparities in resources across families and communities.

When funding is insufficient for public schools, it results in overcrowded classrooms, fewer educators and support staff, outdated resources, and an education system that fails to support our most vulnerable students. The widening gap between well-funded and underfunded schools makes it increasingly difficult for all students to receive the education they deserve!

A mere $2 increase per student is both insufficient and an insult, especially given that Nevada will be $4,091 per pupil short—only closing the gap by $512 over the next four years.  It is clear that Nevada needs a substantial and long-term investment in public education. The Commission on School Funding’s plan for a $700 per pupil increase over the next two years—a $600 million investment—will not only help retain quality educators, improve student achievement, and strengthen our state's economy.  You’ll hear it a lot, but I’ll say it again — PASS THE PLAN!

When educators are underfunded and overburdened, burnout becomes inevitable. Burned-out educators provide less effective instruction, which negatively impacts student outcomes and their emotional well-being. Without the necessary support, this cycle only continues, eroding school culture and weakening student success.

While Nevada has made significant strides in increasing education funding, the rising costs of education and the cost of living cannot be ignored. I urge legislators to consider more progressive revenue sources for education. This could include a wealth tax, a millionaire tax, expanded gaming and mining taxes, and closing business tax loopholes.

This is not simply a budgetary decision—it is a moral imperative. We must invest in Nevada's children and ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed, and every educator has the support they need to thrive.

I strongly urge you to support and PASS THE PLAN to ensure that Nevada’s education system continues to improve and that our students are given the opportunities they deserve!

Letter Submitted by Washoe Retired Education Association President Susan Kaiser

My name is Susan Kaiser. Nevada public schools educational results reflect what state funding has paid for. We are perennially at the bottom of the nation in per pupil funding and with the largest class sizes in the nation. The increased funding in the last biennium should be the start to following the plan recommended by the Commission on School Funding not a one time infusion. This funding reduced teacher attrition and will improve student learning environments.

I am a middle school science teacher with a BS in Biology, a Masters degree and I am a National Board Certified teacher. My teaching certificate is valid until 2026 but I retired before the pandemic. In addition to teaching my 180 students, I was the Science Department Leader, the site Safety Officer, the school garden coordinator for a 10,000 square ft garden and after school Garden Club leader. Then my administrator told me I would have to serve on the MTSS committee. Every teacher was required at weekly meetings without exception. My story is not unique but it is our children whose futures are being short-changed. 

I am no longer in the classroom but I am here today providing public comment because I have a passion for Nevada’s public schools. I have seen firsthand the power of learning and the doors that open for Nevada’s kids when they have highly qualified teachers and support services they need to become our future flourishing adults. Last session, after attending a hearing in person I exited the building and passed a demonstration table staffed by Desert Research Institute Scientists. One of the scientists present was my former student from 12 years prior! Nevada’s public schools and employees are up to the task but they must have consistent, adequate, long-term funding to show results. I implore you today - do not delay, Pass the Plan. 

Respectfully submitted, Susan Kaiser Second Generation Nevadan; Resident AD 27 and S15