Washoe County School District’s Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved the submittal of a Bill Draft Request (BDR) for the upcoming Nevada Legislative Session. The bill proposal would reduce barriers to becoming a teacher or school staff member.
The BDR, entitled the “Excellence in Every Hire” Act, tackles a number of current obstacles that potential school district hires face that are not related to salary and wages.
For example, the bill would discount fees for substitute-to-certified teachers, create regulations for career and technical education certification, establish a system of reciprocal licensure with other states and offer some hiring flexibility, such as allowing certain new hires to work on their certifications while employed.
As of Aug. 1, the district had 214 vacancies including 28 special education teachers, 38 special education aides, one social worker and 27 classroom teachers.
Submissions to the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) are due statewide on Sept. 1 for the 2025 session.
Following the “homework” submission on Sept. 1, the district will work with LCB to craft language and collaborate with other affected partners. A pre-filed bill would be ready to go by Nov. 20.
Trustees approved the proposed BDR unanimously.
New school, facility updates approved
Trustees unanimously approved the 2024-25 ‘A’ Major Projects for design phase funding for the rebuild of Echo Loder Elementary School and the construction phase funding for a new elementary school within the Silver Dollar area of Stead. They also approved construction phase funding for the third phase of the Getto Transportation Yard.
These projects total $60.36 million as recommended by the Capital Funding Protection Committee.
The Committee met on Aug. 1 to consider a recommendation for the Board of Trustees and decided to bring forward the three major projects listed above.
The projects include $4 million for the Echo Loder design, $52 million for the new elementary school construction in Stead and $4.06 million for the Getto Transportation Yard.
Funding is provided through a combination of capital funding streams including WC1 sales tax revenue an an extended bond rollover.
