Special education class size to drop

Monday, March 20, 2000 | 11:59 a.m.

But there's no guarantee money to continue the smaller classes will be available next year.

After a two-hour debate, the board voted 9-2 Saturday to spend $4 million in federal funds starting in July to reduce the workload of special education teachers.

Board members decided to try to force legislators to appropriate more money for special education next year by passing a regulation mandating that smaller class sizes continue permanently.

"If there is a funding concern in 2001, we will bring the regulation back to the board for review," said member Gary Waters of Las Vegas.

Member Bill Hanlon of Las Vegas contended that the Legislature never properly funds special education.

Nevada's 17 school districts used $129 million of their own funds this year to make up for the shortfall left by the Legislature, he said.

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