Nevada teachers urge lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to per pupil education funding

The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on February 4, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding education funding in Nevada. The meeting featured testimony from Brian Wallace, a middle school teacher and vice president of the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA), who expressed deep concerns regarding proposed reductions to per pupil funding in the governor's budget submission.

Wallace highlighted that despite previous record increases in education funding, Nevada still lags behind the national average by over $4,000 per student. He emphasized that any cuts to per pupil funding would exacerbate this disparity, further hindering student performance. In 2019, the legislature established the Commission on School Funding, which proposed a comprehensive plan to achieve optimal educational funding within ten years. This plan includes raising revenue through an expanded sales tax base and closing property tax loopholes, aiming for $700 increases in per pupil funding over the next two years, costing approximately $600 million over the biennium.

In contrast, Governor Lombardo's budget proposal does not align with the Commission's recommendations and suggests cuts to per pupil funding. Wallace urged the legislature to reject these cuts and to commit to the Commission's plan to address the chronic underfunding of education in Nevada.

Wallace also reflected on past successes, noting that the NSEA had previously negotiated 20% raises for teachers and support staff in many districts. However, he stressed the need for these raises to become permanent and for additional funding to support ongoing educational improvements. He cautioned against proposals that would divert public funds from public schools, such as expanding private school vouchers or providing incentives to Hollywood studios.

Throughout the session, Wallace assured that educators from across the state would share their experiences and advocate for the necessary resources to ensure that every student in Nevada can thrive. The meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative action to secure adequate funding for education in the state.