Nevada Education Department allocates $5.3M for charter schools and system improvements

The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss various appropriations aimed at enhancing educational programs and support systems in Nevada. The meeting focused on a series of funding proposals intended to address specific needs within the state's education sector.

The first item on the agenda was a $1,300,000 annual appropriation for the biennium, designated for charter schools affected by adjustments in Title II-A funding allocations. This funding aims to prevent a fiscal cliff resulting from these changes.

Next, the committee reviewed a proposal for approximately $1,000,000 over the biennium to expand licenses for the learning management system and to establish a micro-credentialing program for teachers, along with funding for a contractor position to facilitate this initiative.

An additional appropriation of $50,000 each year was proposed for a report within the student information system, following the implementation of Senate Bills 285 and 300 from the previous session. This report will focus on overall discipline rates and the collection of disproportionate discipline data.

The committee also discussed a significant $3,000,000 annual appropriation to support a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) contract with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). This funding will assist school districts and the department in implementing and training on the MTSS framework.

Further, a $35,000 appropriation was proposed for a study to evaluate potential changes needed in the Pupil Centered Funding Plan due to the transition to a competency-based education system, which currently relies on seat time.

The meeting included discussions on funding for various seals to be added to students' diplomas upon completion of additional instruction. This includes a biliteracy seal ($35,000), a STEM/STEAM seal ($10,843), and a civics seal ($12,765), all for the biennium.

An appropriation of $218,984 was allocated for updates to the school performance system to align it with current educational standards. Additionally, $384,000 was proposed for grants to school districts to enhance their internal controls for managing state funds.

The committee also reviewed a $30,000 contract to analyze past programs and policies of the department, identifying opportunities for growth. Lastly, a $500,000 allocation for the educator effectiveness budget was discussed, which will fund a contract to review national and international education standards, supporting the commission on innovation and excellence in education.

The meeting concluded with questions from Assembly Member Watts, who sought clarification on the nature of the appropriations, confirming that the survey of educators would be a one-time expense rather than an ongoing cost.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a commitment to improving educational resources and support systems in Nevada, with a focus on strategic funding to address current challenges in the education sector.