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Nye County School Board rejects 2026-27 budget after public outcry over proposed cuts
Summary
After nearly 100 public commenters urged the board not to cut teachers, social workers and campus monitors, the Nye County School District Board voted 6-1 to reject the proposed 2026-27 budget and scheduled a special committee meeting to revisit options.
The Nye County School District Board of Trustees voted 6-1 on May 20 to reject the district's proposed 2026-27 budget after a prolonged public hearing and board debate. David Harris, Clerk, recorded his roll-call position as "Yes, to rejecting both options," as the Board moved to return the proposal to staff and the budget committee.
The vote followed extensive public comment by 92 community members (42 in person, 50 via email) who opposed proposed cuts to social workers, campus monitors and classroom teachers. Chief Operating Officer Ray Ritchie presented the tentative budget, highlighting ongoing SB 500 funding for salary increases, Secure Rural Schools allocations, new Medicaid funds and a $11.2 million Tonopah school and sports complex bond tracked in the county Debt Service fund. Ritchie also noted $200,000 of a $900,000 capital projects allocation designated for transportation and described the differences between the previously discussed Option A and Option B.
Board member Larry Small urged the district to avoid cutting student-facing positions and proposed administrative cost controls, including a one-year administrative salary freeze, cancellation of nonessential travel and reassessment of vehicle and fuel card allowances. "[He] plans to explore insurance-billing options with Mr. Ritchie to fund these positions long-term," the minutes state. Member Chelsy Fischer criticized past decisions that she said expanded raises beyond sustainable revenues and cited audit figures showing Pupil-Centered Funding rising from $57 million in 2022 to $75 million in 2025 while alleging central office and administrative costs accounted for 73% of deficit spending.
Nathan (Dr.) Gent, who voted against rejecting the budget, warned that delaying a decision would create uncertainty and risk teacher departures, arguing the Board's immediate priority must be retaining educators. In response to the rejection, the Board appointed a scheduling subcommittee and set a Budget Committee meeting for May 27 at 7:00 a.m. and a public meeting for June 2 at 4:30 p.m. to continue revisions and solicit additional public input.
What happens next: The committee will reconvene to produce revised budget options and additional financial detail, including the funding sources for prior raises, requested personnel lists and a clearer breakdown of reserve draws, per board requests.
