Public Comment: Subcommittee On K12/Higher Education/CIP

Letter Submitted by Nevada Rural Educators President Malinda Riemersma

Dear Chair Backus and members of the Committee, 

My name is Malinda Riemersma and I am a teacher in Winnemucca, Nevada. I also serve as the Rural Nevada Educators president representing teachers and support staff in our 15 rural counties. 

I am writing for public comment to urge you to support and pass the funding plan recommended by the Commission on School Funding. As an educator, parent, grandparent, and community member, I have a deep understanding of the critical need for an equitable and sustainable education system. The recommendations put forth by the Commission are the result of thoughtful analysis, research, and a collective recognition of the challenges our schools face. It is essential that we honor their eorts by turning their plan into actionable policy. 

The proposed funding plan is crucial in addressing the teacher shortages and improving educator compensation. Teachers are the foundation of our education system, yet many are leaving the profession due to inadequate pay and insufficient resources. The recommended funding model will help attract and retain high-quality educators by ensuring salaries align with the value of their work and that they have the necessary resources to succeed in the classroom. 

This plan has the potential to bridge achievement gaps and provide all students—regardless of their background—with the opportunity to succeed. With proper funding, schools can offer personalized learning experiences, enrichment programs, and enhanced social and emotional support, enabling students to thrive. The emphasis on equitable distribution will ensure that underfunded districts receive the resources they deserve.

The proposed funding from the commission will enable schools to maintain high standards and create environments where both educators and students can flourish. This includes improving infrastructure, providing up-to-date learning materials, supporting special education services, and addressing the growing mental health needs of students. A more equitable funding formula will empower schools to better serve their communities and adapt to the unique needs of their students. 

During the last legislative session, we gratefully saw a commitment to funding public education. The governor’s proposed budget this session threatens to reverse all progress that has been made. We cannot allow that setback to happen! The Commission on School Funding has done the critical work of developing a comprehensive and thoughtful plan. Now, it is up to you, as legislators, to take action. By passing this plan, you will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education and that our teachers are supported in their essential work. The future of our state is directly tied to the strength of our education system. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I urge you to act swiftly in support of our educators, students, and schools by passing this plan.

Letter Submitted by Humboldt County Support Staff Organization President Andrea Kelly

Good morning Chair Backus and members of the committee.

My name is Andrea Kelly and I speak before you today as the President of the Humboldt County Support Staff Organization, an ESP of 14 years, a mother of 5 adult children, grandmother of 7, and a proud advocate for the students, educators, and families of our community. I am here because the future of our children and, by extension, the future of our state is at stake. 

The governor’s proposed budget includes reductions to per-pupil funding, a decision that threatens the very foundation of our public education system. As legislators, you hold the power to either accept these cuts or to stand up for the students who rely on a well-funded education. I urge you to choose the latter and pass the plan. 

Education is not just another line item in a budget it is an investment in the future. When we reduce per-pupil funding, we are not simply cutting numbers on a spreadsheet. We are cutting essential resources that directly impact our students: smaller class sizes, mental health support, extracurricular programs, and basic classroom materials. We are forcing our teachers and support staff to do more with less, which ultimately compromises the quality of education our children receive.

This is not an abstract issue. In classrooms across the state, students are already facing overcrowded conditions, outdated textbooks, and reduced access to vital programs. If these cuts go into effect, the situation will only worsen. Our most vulnerable students, those with special needs, those from low-income families, and those who rely on school services for stability—will be the ones who suffer the most.

We know that strong schools build strong communities. A well-funded education system leads to higher graduation rates, better job prospects, and a more skilled workforce. When we shortchange our schools, we are shortchanging our state’s economic future. The decisions we make today will have lasting consequences for generations to come.

I urge you to listen to the recommendation of the Commission on School Funding's calls for an increase of $700.00 per pupil over the next two years. This will support our students, attract and retain quality educators, and strengthen our economy.

I ask you, as our elected leaders, to listen to the voices of your constituents, parents, teachers, and students who see the daily impact of these decisions. I ask you to reject any proposal that diminishes our commitment to public education. Instead, let’s work together to find solutions that ensure every child in our state has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code or economic background.

This is our moment to affirm that education is not a cost to be minimized but a fundamental right to be protected. I urge you to stand with us in defending our students and safeguarding the future of public education in our state.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Letter Submitted by Carson Education Support Association President Kerri Finn

Good Morning, Chair Backus and committee members,

My name is Kerri Finn, and I am a Clinical Aide in the Carson City School District, the President of the Carson Educational Support Association, and a member of the SB71 Teacher and ESP Recruitment and Retention Task Force Committee. The views I share today are my own.

I am deeply concerned about the Governor's proposed plan for per-pupil funding in the recent budget submission. Education is the cornerstone of our future, and cutting funding now will only exacerbate existing inequalities and challenges. This is not just a budget issue—it’s about the future of Nevada’s children and our state's prosperity.

Underfunding our schools leads to overcrowded classrooms, fewer teachers and support staff, outdated resources, and lost opportunities for students. These cuts create a cycle that impacts not only our students but the future workforce. A poorly educated workforce will stunt our state’s innovation and global competitiveness.

Cuts to education only widen the gap between wealthy and underfunded schools, leaving disadvantaged students with fewer opportunities. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their circumstances.
 

We must prioritize education and stay committed to the Commission on School Funding’s roadmap, which aims to increase funding over the next decade. To stay on track, an increase of $700 per pupil each of the next two years is necessary—just over $600 million for the biennium. This investment is crucial for the success of our students.
Instead of cuts, we need a long-term, equitable funding plan for schools—one that ensures stable resources, attracts and retains great teachers, and provides opportunities for all students. This is not just a financial decision; it’s a moral imperative.

Let’s make the right choice and PASS THE PLAN that will secure a brighter future for our students and our economy!
 

Thank you.