Dueling education bills are on the table in the Legislature, proposing sweeping changes aimed at improving accountability and retention. Democratic Sen. Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro introduced the Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency (EDUCATE) Act, while Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo presented the Nevada Accountability in Education Act as one of his top legislative priorities. With Democrats holding the majority in the Legislature and Lombardo having veto power, compromise will be necessary to pass an education package.
What’s in the Bills?
Cannizzaro’s Senate Bill 460 includes expanded Pre-K, increased accountability for public schools and publicly funded charter schools, teacher pay raises (if money allows), and a prescribed ratio of teachers to administrators. On the other hand, Lombardo’s Assembly Bill 584 offers bonuses for high-performing teachers, transportation to public charter schools, reading proficiency improvements, and a statewide accountability system focusing on under-performing schools.
Accountability Measures
Both bills emphasize the need for improved accountability in school districts. Cannizzaro’s SB 460 requires public elementary schools to create plans for academic improvement, including professional development and remedial study options. Principals who fail to meet outlined goals may face evaluation and potential removal. Additionally, the Department of Education could remove superintendents of districts with underperforming schools. Lombardo’s AB 584 focuses on district performance and governance, ranking districts annually and placing low-performing districts on probation.
Compensation and Retention
Cannizzaro’s bill mandates funds reserved for salary increases of teachers, administrators, and principals, and requires the negotiation of salary incentive programs for professional growth. In contrast, Lombardo’s bill establishes an Excellence in Education Account to reward high-performing teachers with bonuses funded by surplus dollars.
Charter School Controversy
One major difference between the bills is how they address public charter schools. Cannizzaro’s bill seeks to increase oversight and accountability for charter schools, allowing objections to new charter school proposals and requiring licensed teachers in charter schools. On the other hand, Lombardo’s bill aims for funding parity and support for charter schools, including transportation funding for students in low-performing schools to attend higher-ranked schools.
Cost Considerations
The financial impact of both bills is uncertain, with legislators working with limited funds. Cannizzaro’s bill is estimated to cost around $24.6 million, with $356 million in appropriations, while Lombardo’s bill requires approximately $8 million for administration. Supporters and opponents have voiced their opinions on both bills, with various education organizations, students, and teachers expressing their views.
In Conclusion
The proposed education bills in Nevada aim to address longstanding issues in the education system, with a focus on accountability, teacher compensation, and support for charter schools. As the legislative process continues, changes to the bills are expected, and finding common ground between policymakers will be crucial to passing meaningful education reform.
