Governor Lombardo Unveils Comprehensive Education Reform Bill
HENDERSON, NV—Governor Joe Lombardo introduced a significant education reform bill on Friday aimed at enhancing student opportunities and educational outcomes in Nevada. During a press conference at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon, Lombardo outlined key provisions of the Nevada Accountability in Education Act, a response to his pledge made during the January State of the State address.
The bill focuses on facilitating student transfers from low-performing schools to higher-rated institutions, extending transportation support to charters, and establishing a new fund for bonuses for high-performing educators. Aimed at bolstering literacy rates, it allocates $1 million annually to support parental access to state-approved literacy resources.
Central to the legislation is the principle that no Nevada student should remain in a failing school due to geographic or economic barriers. Lombardo emphasized the importance of this initiative for the future success of students and the state’s economy.
The proposal also seeks to improve accountability measures within schools, following a historic $2 billion funding increase in K-12 education approved by the Legislature in 2023. Despite this increase, Nevada’s per-pupil funding remains significantly lower than the national average.
Key highlights of the bill include:
- Open Enrollment Expansion: Students in low-performing schools will gain priority and transportation support for transfers to schools rated three stars or higher.
- Funding Increases: Charter school transportation funding will rise to $17 million over the next two years, while educator raises will see an additional $28 million allocation.
- Literacy Focus: Mandating the integration of the Science of Reading in teacher training to tackle declining literacy rates exacerbated by the pandemic.
The bill’s financial implications are still under evaluation as Nevada faces potential revenue shortfalls. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro is poised to introduce her own education bill, which includes universal pre-K proposals. The details and discussions surrounding Lombardo’s bill will unfold in the remaining period of the Legislature’s session.
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