Nevadans for National Average

 

In 1991, Nevada ranked 35th in the nation in per pupil spending and today, we rank 45th.  There is NO sign that this trend is going to reverse itself and our schools are in danger of hitting rock bottom.

What is Question 2?
 

  • Questions 2 is a ballot question that if passed, would require the funding of  K-12 public education to at least the national average by 2012.

Why Question 2?

  • Nobody can deny that Nevada schools are under funded. 
  • Ranking 45th in the nation in per pupil spending is not acceptable and the Nevadans for National Average are determined to see this changes.
  • In 2004, each Nevada student receives $6,481.  That is $1,686 below the national average of $8,167. 
  • Members, parents, and interested citizens have continually expressed support for funding to the national average. 
  • Through this process we are providing a vehicle for all to express this support to elected officials in the most vivid convincing way possible.

The current gap between Nevada per-pupil funding and the national average is more than $1500.  Where will we get the money to close that gap?

  • Ballot Question 2 has an effective date of July 1, 2012; therefore elected officials have 8 years to close that gap should they begin immediately. 
  • The fact that this gap is so large is one of the most compelling arguments in support of this petition. 
     

What does national average mean?
 

  • The national average is the average cost of educating one child for one year. 
  • It is computed by dividing the total costs for educating children in public schools by the number of all students in public education throughout the U.S.

Won’t new taxes be necessary to bring our funding to the national average?

  • This is about priorities and making local public schools and children a priority.
  • We believe by prioritizing the current state budget and dedicating any increase in existing revenue sources we can reach our goal without assessing new taxes.  
  • We consider this a modest goal.  We do not believe it is extraordinary to ask that our children be given the same opportunities as other children in the U.S. 
  • The question here is not whether we can afford to fund our education system adequately, but rather, can we afford not to?

Why is there no mention of how this money will be spent?

  • Each school district in Nevada is different. 
  • We believe that local priorities should be set at a local level. 
  • There are individual needs associated with each district and appropriate funding would allow these needs to be addressed. 
  • The Nevadans for National Average suggest local districts spend the money on areas such as; class size reduction in K-12, professional development, salaries and benefits to attract and retain education employees, expand pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, and increase textbooks and supplies.

What is the reason we are attempting to amend the Nevada Constitution rather than seeking a legislative solution?

  • Through this campaign we are providing a method for the Nevada voters to inform their elected officials about the level of financial support they feel is appropriate for our children’s education. 
  • We would welcome legislative solutions that would address this issue.

We need to ask ourselves if, absent any fiscal considerations about revenue sources, it is an appropriate policy decision to fund K-12 education to at least the national average?  If the answer  is YES, then we need to figure a way to begin closing the gap TODAY, otherwise that gap is likely to continue to increase.  The bottom line is if we can’t afford to close the gap today how will we be able to afford to close the gap when it’s $2,000 per student?

Nevada students deserve the very best education we can give them.  National Average Ballot Question 2 would help us get closer to this goal.  Now is the time for the changes to take place in order to provide them with the education they need and deserve!

VOTE YES on QUESTION 2!!!

  

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