Educators were in Carson City protesting for the campaign “Red For Ed". The protest comes one day after the Senate Finance Committee discussed an education funding bill.
Protests inside the Nevada State Legislature Building got loud. “We need a bigger pie. We need more money for education so we can buy resources,” said middle school science teacher Susan Kaiser.
As security moved in to quiet down the protestors so that legislative hearings could proceed, frustrations came up.The protest however remained peaceful. “They need to fund what students need whether it’s a teacher, transportation, or materials in the classroom. They need to fund students with gateway disabilities, special education students, or students who are English language learners,” said Kaiser.
The bill that's grabbed the protestors’ attention was actually discussed on Tuesday night. Senate Bill 543 would re-organize state funding for education, if it goes through.
“We have 80 different sources of revenues from schools. All those would go into one bucket. So the process would be transparent on how much money we have for education,” said Nevada State Senator Moises Denis.
Schools would get a set amount for each student. That amount however would be increased for special education students , English learners, students with disabilities, and gifted and talented students. The remoteness of the school would also be factored in.“Rural schools where it costs more to hire teachers, they are going to get adjustments for rural and small schools. They also would get a wage adjustment,” said Senator Denis.
“Red For Ed” protestors who were at the legislature, however, say something more is needed. “They need to change how funding is allocated so for all the students. So they can have the equal opportunity of a public education,” said Kaiser.
Senator Denis says there are 4 other bills introduced in the legislature that will increase education funding in the state, if they pass.
