The legislature is going to have a whole host of changes to the state's education system to consider as laid out in the governor's State of the State Address.
I sat down with the state superintendent of public instruction to discuss some of the most surprising proposals.
Yesterday we went over some of the program additions and funding allocations that Gov. Sandoval mentioned in his address. Tonight, we're going to look at some of the other major announcements that could mean big changes for the system overall-
Starting with the proposal to create a non-location-specific school district for underachieving schools headed by Pedro Martinez.
I asked Dale Erquiaga if he had concerns that issues from Martinez's parting with Washoe County School District would follow him to this new position. "Absolutely not. Pedro is a good, dedicated public servant, who has worked in Clark County and has worked in Washoe County, and that's critical to us."
Erquiaga went on to clarify that this position will be paid for using grant money and donations so no taxpayer dollars.
And he told me it was in part due to the Martinez/school board issue that the governor is proposing a change to consider appointing-- rather than electing-- local school boards. And they want an avenue to change the district lines to make the student populations within Nevada's school districts more equal.
"The legislature drew the lines before I was born, and that's the system that is left in place. So what we want to do is have a pathway so local governments, counties, cities, school districts, have the right to step up and suggest changes."
To watch the full interview, tune in or set your DVR for Face the State this weekend. It's airing tomorrow at 4:30 am and 3:30 pm, on Sunday at 2:30 and 6:30 am and 3:30 pm.
