State lawmakers are introducing Assembly Bill 398 which is meant to address some of the most pressing challenges in our schools. Some of the challenges the bill hopes to address include teacher shortages and hard-to-fill positions.
Speaker Steve Yeager says this bill will offer additional compensation to educators who step up to teach where they are most needed.
"Our children perform better when we have qualified educators in every classroom," he said. "And by providing additional compensation for hard to fill positions, we are making an investment in our children and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education no matter where they live."
Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro also discussed the goal of the "Educate Act" which was initially introduced in December of last year.
It's meant to improve education in Nevada through accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
This means making sure every classroom has a qualified teacher, improving the learning environment by reducing non-instructional time, and increasing access to counselors.
Cannizzaro adds, "Laying that foundation for universal pre-k so kids get a strong start. Giving families more confidence by holding school districts accountable and ensuring private and charter schools never see public money, are held to the same high standards that our public schools are held to."
You may remember Governor Joe Lombardo sharing similar goals of the "Nevada Accountability in Education Act" during his State of the State Address.
In addition to accountability, this act also expands open enrollment policies, promotes the "Excellence in Education Fund", and dedicates targeted resources to help improve any school in early literacy.
We have reached out to the Republican party for further comment on these bills but have not heard back yet.
The hearing for Assembly Bill 398 is scheduled for next Friday afternoon.
