Mayor unveils plan to improve education

Thursday, Aug. 27, 1998 | 1:33 a.m.

"Making Nevada home to a world-class education system - not just world-class resorts - is my No. 1 priority," Jones said. "A great education system is vitally important for this state to succeed, and so far we've let our children down."

Jones unveiled her SMART Schools plan at Ernest A. Becker Middle School. SMART stands for school safety, measurable standards, attendance, reduced class size and technology.

The mayor said Nevada has the worst dropout rate in the country, and as governor, she would appoint a "dropout czar" to her staff.

"This official's sole responsibility will be to find ways for schools in Nevada to get kids to graduate," she said.

Jones said she would require that parents be notified as soon as possible if their child is missing school.

She said she would have zero tolerance for students who bring drugs and guns to school and also make sure there are enough crossing guards to get children to school safely. Earlier this week, Jones volunteered to be a crossing guard for the day because the school district didn't have enough.

The mayor wants students and teachers held to a higher standard. She says she will continue Gov. Bob Miller's class size reduction initiative and get teachers the technology and tools needed to inspire students.

"Computers in the classroom is just one component," she said. "Teachers now are spending their own money for supplies like construction paper. That shouldn't happen. Per-pupil spending in the state is one of the lowest in the nation. I vow to make sure our dollars are going into the classroom where they belong."