Las Vegas Sun

November 24, 2009

Currently: 60° | Complete forecast | Log in

Editorial: Let’s not be content with below average

Wednesday, April 17, 2002 | 8:47 a.m.

To borrow a line from a George Harrison song, it's going to take "a whole lot of spending money" if Nevada is ever to become even average in the area of education spending. The figures are in for 1999 -- Nevada's per-pupil spending was $921 below the national average, ranking the state 38th. Studies published in January by Education Week and the nonprofit Children's Advocacy Alliance projected an even wider gap when the 2001 numbers are reconciled -- $1,168 below the national average for a ranking of 44th. The state Board of Education is in a hurry to do something about it.

Board members will ask the 2003 Legislature for a 21 percent increase in education spending -- $857 million more than appropriated in 2001. This might just bring us up to about average. This won't happen, of course. The 2001 Legislature quickly snuffed out a bill draft from the board requesting an increase not even half that amount. But the Legislature should be prepared to discuss increases that would pull Nevada up to average over the next two legislative sessions. As we tell our students, if you're not making the grade, make a better effort.

archive

  • Most Read
  • Discussed
  • Most E-mailed

Complete Listing

Calendar »

  • 24 Tue
  • 25 Wed
  • 26 Thu
  • 27 Fri
  • 28 Sat

All events on Tuesday »