State Lawmakers Disappoint Las Vegas Schools

The most recent Nevada session did little to alleviateParise-Malloy of the Nevadans for Quality Education
the feeling in Las Vegas Schools that public educationsaid that, "Until our per-pupil funding levels come up,
is low on the state's list of priorities. As Las Vegasand we're providing basic, adequate support, our
Schools try to educate a large and diverse urbanstudents are not going anywhere. We're wasting our
community the state of Nevada doesn't offer muchtime."
support. Spending per pupil in the state is aboutWith a national initiative that requires all students to
$1,800 less than the national average. Las Vegasachieve "proficiency" on state exams by 2014, and
Schools, along with other education and healthcarethat requires "highly qualified teachers" for math and
advocates, expressed disappointment at thescience, Las Vegas Schools have a long road ahead.
legislature's inability to bring the state to what someTeacher pay raises for Las Vegas Schools' teachers
call a minimal standard of care.were last raised by 2% in 2001, and are slated for a
One of the biggest disappointments to parents and4% increase in 2009. Las Vegas Schools' districts, like
educators of Las Vegas Schools was the lack ofClark County, expect to have vacancies in the
money to fund a universal all-day kindergartenthousands for the 2007-2008 school year. One bright
program. According to a recent Las Vegas Sunspot of the recent session was that incentives for
article, educational advocates like Mary Joteachers in at-risk schools were maintained.