This opinion column was submitted by Mike Kazmiewski, President and CEO of the Western Nevada Department of Economic Development.
From an economic development perspective, the failure to adequately fund the education system, especially the pre-K-12 education system, is the greatest threat to the state’s economic future.
The rhetoric that there is plenty of money if used properly is a farce. Today we can make up “facts” to support any position, but the reality is that our schools are underfunded and our teachers are underpaid. Until we decide to make provision a top budget priority for the state (not just a political topic), we will have a stake in the future of our economy and the survival of the nearly 500,000 children in public education statewide. continue to threaten itself.
Our education system is severely underfunded and getting worse. Nevada ranks 49th in finances per quality count and 49th in children’s chances of success, consistently earning F’s on the national report card for funding levels, distribution, and effort. According to Educate Nevada Now, “Nevada’s latest legislative study on school funding found that the state funds only 58% of the resources students need to succeed, while spending nearly $2 billion in tax dollars. was reportedly collected for education and diverted to other parts only, part of the state budget and therefore did not increase school income (IP1 and marijuana tax). “
Nevada has one of the highest student-teacher ratios in the nation and the third worst teacher salary per student (according to the National Education Alliance).
Finally, Nevada also ranks last in the education funding per student comparison. Most parents would agree that their children should get a better education and that the state’s education funding per student should not be at the bottom of any list.
Lack of funding hits teachers hardest. The Nevada Education Association estimates that about 3,000 teaching positions remain vacant across the state’s 17 school districts. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for his college class in 2020 was $55,260, so why would anyone want to be a teacher? In Nevada, that starting salary is closer to $41,000 a year, 25% less.
According to EducationWeek, teachers work an average of 54 hours or more per week. If a nine-month school year seems fine, most teachers spend a good portion of their “breaks” preparing for the next school year. This includes 2-4 weeks of continuing education, her 3 weeks of curriculum planning, and another 4 weeks of training, classroom setup and preparation. The gradual increase in classroom size over the years is even worse for teachers than low wages. Nevada has the largest classrooms in the nation, second only to Utah.
Additional funding is the only solution. You have a limited amount of time to move the deck chairs on the Titanic. We must either change course or let the economy and our children collapse. The 11-member Nevada School Funding Commission released its report over a year ago. The Commission recommended that: Current funding per student is $9,249. In 2020, the national average funding per student increased 35% to $12,645. This funding gap is worth more than $2 billion. According to the commission, “Moving Nevada’s funding for her K-12 education to optimal levels requires significant and continued effort, both in terms of political will and investment in resources.”
It’s time for a real vision for our state. I don’t know of any single parent who believes that funding for our children’s education should fall below the national average. Let’s set a state goal of increasing to the national average. There are many ways to do this, but no way to do it within your current budget. No matter how much political rhetoric and magic tricks are used. The Commission has provided some excellent recommendations, but these will not be implemented until we, the voters, make it clear that this is our top priority.
Pastor Paul Hansen, leader of Nevadans for the Common Good, said: This election is the first opportunity to move the Titanic a bit, as the iceberg (the collapse of our economy and our children’s financial future) looms large.
If you would like to be part of the solution, please consider signing the pledge at empowernevadasfuture.org. Educate Nevada Now says: Moving her K-12 education in Nevada off the bottom of the rankings shouldn’t feel unattainable. By signing the pledge, lawmakers know we demand high efficiency schools now. “
Mike Kazmierski is president and CEO of the Western Nevada Economic Development Authority.
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