Nevada governor signs historic education budget and school safety bills
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 06/01/2023 - 6:58am
On Wednesday evening, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed the K-12 Education Funding Bill, in addition to AB 330, which is Governor Lombardo’s Safer and Supportive Schools Act, and AB 285, Assemblywoman Angie Taylor’s school safety legislation.
“I’m honored to sign such historic education legislation this evening,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Since day one, my administration has been committed to delivering serious school safety reforms and an education budget that empowers Nevada schools, teachers, and students to succeed. I look forward to continuing to deliver on my administration’s top education priorities in the coming days.”
Governor Lombardo cited school safety reforms as a top issue in his State of the State address and testified on the importance of AB 330 in its initial hearing. AB 330 was passed out of the Nevada Assembly in April with sweeping bipartisan support. AB 330 was supported by diverse groups across the state, including: all 17 Nevada superintendents, the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-Technical Employees (CCASAPE), the Education Support Employees Association (ESEA), the Nevada Association of School Boards, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and the Charter School Association of Nevada, among others.
Highlighting Governor Lombardo’s commitment to improving education, the budget allocates over $12 billion in funding for K-12 education over the next biennium. Total funding in FY24 is $6,061,963,572 and in FY25 $6,306,205,084. This budget makes a historic investment in K-12 education, increasing per pupil funding by $2,500 next year, a 25% increase.
Furthermore, the K-12 budget fully funds the weights of the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan, bolstering per pupil funding by $4,035 for English language learners, $3,137 for at-risk students, and $1,075 for gifted and talented students. The budget also allocates an additional $23M in special education funding for the next biennium.
“I wholeheartedly thank Governor Joe Lombardo and the dedicated Legislature for their commitment to Nevada’s children,” said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “By passing the largest education budget in our state's history, they are demonstrating an unwavering belief in the transformative power of quality education. This historic investment will provide our schools with the resources they need to foster an environment where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential. It also provides our district leaders the flexibility to make decisions based on their community’s needs. Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow for Nevada, one where every student has access to the world-class education they deserve so they can build a life, a home, and a future.”
