Governor's education initiatives aimed at making Nevada fastest improving state in nation
Submitted by editor on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 10:33pm
The 2015 Nevada Legislature passed Gov. Brian Sandoval’s sweeping education reform package that included 25 bills and an investment of $343 million to prepare students to meet the demands of the new Nevada economy.
The Governor’s 2017-19 proposed budget sustains and expands his bold reform package of 2015, building off of what works and being responsive to lessons learned from the first years of implementation so that students are served more effectively.
“It’s critical that we stay the course on this education agenda,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction. “2015 provided investments and appropriate accountability to ensure that every child will access all of his or her economic opportunities.
The Governor and Legislature made clear that the system of yesterday did not produce the results our children deserve. We have made investments to build tomorrow’s K12 system and placed an emphasis on what matters – student safety and outcomes.”
“I applaud the Governor’s commitment to K12 education and recognize that this recommended budget is the product of many difficult decisions”, Canavero said.
The Governor’s budget reflects an additional investment of roughly $120 million in the programs funded in 2015 that include Victory, Zoom, Special Education, Gifted and Talented Education, Read by Grade Three and Career and Technical Education. The Governor’s priorities remain as clear today as they were in 2015.
Canavero stressed that with increased funding comes accountability for results.
“As in 2015, these investments come with an obligation to perform, not next year but now,” Canavero said. “We must continue to hold ourselves accountable to ensure every child is prepared to meet the demands of the workforce that will drive the new Nevada economy.”
In his speech, the Governor said Nevada needed to secure a more prosperous Nevada for generations to come.
“My workforce agenda proposes removing those barriers, so that every student, in every classroom, has every opportunity to succeed,” Gov. Sandoval said.
Some of the highlights of the Governor’s recommended budget that maintains funding levels from 2015 includes:
• $42 million to expand Zoom programs into middle and high schools that greatly benefits English Learner students
• $30 million to increase the special education weight
• $30 million to expand Victory programs that includes funding to hire social workers, counselors, psychologists, and behavior strategists
• $17 million to increase Read by Grade Three funding
• $4.3 million in additional funding for the Gifted and Talented program
• $2 million more for Career and Technical Education
“I truly believe the Governor’s agenda puts Nevada on course to become the fastest improving state in the nation,” Canavero said.
