Commission approves $775,000 for two studies of school district

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 | 7:40 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Legislative Commission decided Wednesday to approve a study of a possible breakup of the Clark County School District and another audit of the district's overall educational efficiency.

The two studies, along with a report on whether Nevada public schools are being adequately financed, will cost a combined $775,000.

Paul Townsend, chief of the audit section in the Legislative Counsel Bureau, told the commission that the $300,000 examination of the school district's programs would not duplicate the areas covered in a 2003 audit.

Townsend said the audit will determine whether student programs are "efficient, effective and equitable." It also will examine programs for the disabled and the gifted students, as well as assess whether the district has too many administrators.

Noting that consultants in other states have identified "best practices" by school districts, Townsend said the team hired will compare the workings in Clark County with programs elsewhere.

While the Legislative Commission approved issuance of the bids, the contract will be awarded by the state Board of Education.

After the contract is awarded, the review is to be concluded within six months, Townsend said.

Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, said that amid growing concerns over youth obesity, she wants to make sure the study includes an examination of physical education programs.

Funding for the school district deconsolidation study will come from a $250,000 appropriation included in a measure passed in the special legislative session this year. A 1996 study on the same subject concluded that it would be difficult but not impossible to divide the district, but no legislative action arose from that report.

The move to deconsolidate the 292,000-student school district is being pushed by Sen. Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson.

The Legislative Commission, headed by Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, also authorized spending up to $225,000 for a study on the adequacy of school financing statewide. A 2004 report by Education Week ranked Nevada among the lowest states nationally in financial support for students attending public schools.

Cy Ryan can be reached at (775) 687-5032 or at cy@lasvegassun.com.