Educators tell committee to 'pass the plan' as districts squeeze staffing

Two public commentators told the committee that the next legislature must act to shore up K–12 funding and support teachers.

Chris Daly of the Nevada State Education Association said 94 percent of surveyed educators want the association to continue a 'pass the plan' campaign, and he detailed district financial stress: Washoe faced an $18 million deficit this year and Clark County planned a surplus of about 1,200 positions to address a $50 million shortfall. “Seriously, pass the plan,” Daly said, and listed top teacher priorities: pay increases, reduced class size, and protections for PERS and collective bargaining.

Terry Borhoppe from rural Nevada urged timely disbursement of scholarships and grants that support student teachers. He said a student teacher making a 155-mile round trip to placements was still waiting months for state grant funds to be dispersed and asked the committee to ensure predictable payment schedules to avoid losing candidates to the profession.

Members thanked the speakers and said staff would follow up with agency contacts to confirm disbursement timing and to incorporate testimony into the committee’s interim work.