As president of the Carson Educational Support Association, I see daily how underfunding hurts our schools. Nevada ranks near the bottom in per-pupil funding and near the top in class sizes. That reality shows up in outdated buildings, overwhelmed staff that are burnt out, and classrooms stretched too thin.
Underfunding our schools isn’t just a budget issue. It’s a matter of equity and opportunity. Cuts lead to overcrowded classrooms, fewer teachers and support staff, and outdated learning tools. Our most vulnerable students are hit the hardest. Every child, no matter their background, deserves a high-quality education.
This underinvestment affects more than schools – it threatens Nevada’s future. A poorly funded education system limits workforce development, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
We need to stop patching the problem and start investing in real solutions. The Commission on School Funding has laid out a clear roadmap. Their plan includes a $700 per pupil increase over the next two years — just over $600 million. That investment would help retain quality educators, improve learning conditions, and close equity gaps.
The Legislature took a positive step in 2023, but we’re still $4,000 per student behind the national average. One-time funding is not enough. We need a sustainable plan to fully and fairly fund public education.
This isn’t just a financial decision – it’s a moral one. Let’s do right by Nevada’s children and pass the plan to ensure every student has what they need to succeed.
Kerri Finn, president
Carson Educational Support Association