Las Vegas – As Nevada prepares to swear in Attorney General Aaron Ford on Jan. 4, the newly‑elected official outlined a robust education agenda aimed at supporting teachers, increasing funding, and expanding public school choice.
Teacher pay and classroom resources
Ford, a former teacher himself, told News 3, “We’re going to ensure that we respect our teachers… and we’ll pay them what they deserve.” He emphasized that Nevada’s per‑student funding currently trails the national average by roughly $4,000, a gap he intends to close.
Jeremy Heckler, a teacher‑librarian in Clark County and president of the National Education Association of Southern Nevada, welcomed the focus on salaries. “We’re seeing fewer teachers, larger classes, and it’s hurting students,” Heckler said. He hopes Ford’s plan will bring Nevada’s funding up to the national level.
Funding strategy
Ford’s campaign website promises to push for a funding model that meets or exceeds the national average. He cited the need for a “multifaceted approach” that can weather economic ups and downs, ensuring schools remain financially stable.
Alexander Marks, deputy executive director of the Nevada State Education Association, warned against relying on data‑center tax revenue alone. “Data center development might generate some tax revenue, but projected future growth is not sustainable for a comprehensive school funding plan,” he said. Marks urged the legislature to adopt the Commission on School Funding’s recommendations, which include modernizing the sales tax system and resetting property‑tax depreciation.
Public school choice expansion
Ford also addressed school choice, clarifying that his plan would keep public funds within public schools. “We will not be sending public school funds to private schools, but we will expand vocational education, open enrollment, and add more magnet schools,” he explained.
Heckler supported the initiative, noting that overcrowded public schools need more options for families. “Our public schools serve the majority of our students, and we don’t have enough educators,” he said.
Student nutrition and literacy
Beyond funding and choice, Ford highlighted plans to guarantee school breakfasts and lunches, and to place literacy coaches in every elementary school. Marks added that “school meals will be a huge focus next session,” aiming to ensure every student arrives ready to learn.
Parent advocate Stephanie Valdez, whose children have felt the impact of mid‑year budget cuts, urged swift legislative action. “The continual budget cuts have been disruptive. If we can address funding once a year instead of multiple times, it would eliminate many of the disruptions we’ve experienced,” she said.
Looking ahead
With the legislative session only months away, Nevada’s education community will watch closely to see how Ford’s proposals translate into concrete policy. His emphasis on teacher respect, adequate funding, and expanded public school choice aligns with the priorities of many educators and parents seeking a stronger, more stable education system for the Silver State.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
