Support mechanisms that keep pace with inflation and a funding formula to meet needs of special populations were among preliminary legislative priorities outlined Tuesday by Washoe County School District trustees.
The 79th session of the Nevada Legislature is scheduled to convene Feb. 6. During the 120-day period, lawmakers work on a budget for the biennium.
The district-sponsored Senate Bill 49 would remove the 13 percent upper limit on the number of students eligible for extra state-supported services.
Reforming adjusted diplomas to limit that option to students truly unable to meet the requirements of a standard diploma was also endorsed. As alternatives to public schools, trustees support charter schools, industry-aligned vocational employment programs, adult education options and school-within-a-school programs.
“Any effort to expand school choice to private educational institutions must not divert resources from traditional public instruction or preclude any student from his/her constitutional right of a free and equal education,” the document stated.
Lindsay Anderson, director of governmental affairs, said the district consulted with superintendents and school boards statewide before drafting priorities.
“I think the state coming together really, really helps because there’s so many assembly and senate districts that cross school boundaries,” Trustee John Mayer said.
Anderson said amendments to legislative priorities might be necessary if any surprises come out of Gov. Brian Sandoval’s upcoming state of the state address.
