LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Governor Joe Lombardo signed three bills related to Nevada schools into law before midnight on Wednesday, providing future funding and rolling back provisions on restorative justice.
Senate Bill 503 was among the signed bills, allocating $12 billion for K-12 schools through 2025 and increasing the per-pupil funding rates by 25% (or $2,500) for the next school year. According to a news release, it will also give an additional $23 million in funding for special education, at-risk students, and English Language Learners.
Two school safety bills — Assembly Bill 330 and Assembly Bill 285 — were also signed into law. While both bills focus on discipline for students, AB330 — or the Safer and Supportive Schools Act — rolls back parts of a previous bill that implemented a restorative discipline program in schools, which was subject to criticism from teachers and legislators alike.
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AB285 introduced more control procedures for teachers looking to discipline students by removing them from classrooms and handing down suspensions and expulsions.
“I’m honored to sign such historic education legislation this evening,” Lombardo said. “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.”
The Clark County Education Association president, Marie Neisess said the money will go a long way to easing ongoing problems.
"We are at a crises level when it comes to our educators," she said. "Our mental health professionals too. We don't have enough of them. Counselors, social workers, and our classroom teachers are not staying in Nevada, they are leaving we are having big issues with retention."
Sasha Decania, a parent of four said she is grateful to the governor and says that the increase in funding is a step in the right direction.
"I hope there is a lot of transparency in how that money is spent," she said.
