We are gravely concerned about the cumulative impact the state’s tax giveaways have on Nevada’s ability to adequately fund our public schools.
Across the state, school districts are struggling with an effective reduction in state education funding when adjusted for increasing costs and declining enrollment. More than 1,200 employees are slated for surplus in the Clark County School District due to a projected $50 million budget shortfall. Washoe is cutting 39 positions next year after making significant reductions this year. Carson City is eliminating half its school social workers while cutting teachers and intervention paraprofessionals. Douglas County has declared a severe fiscal emergency and is closing at least one school. Across Nevada, we are seeing service cuts, staffing reductions, school closures, and fewer opportunities for students.
Meanwhile, Nevada’s corporate tax giveaways continue unabated. This is why NSEA remains opposed to large-scale public subsidy packages such as those for the A’s ballpark and the proposed Hollywood studio project. These deals reflect a broader pattern of prioritizing corporate tax giveaways over meaningful investment in Nevada’s public education system.
We urge the Committee to carefully evaluate the effectiveness and cumulative fiscal impact of state abatement programs. Some may claim Nevada’s long-term economic development depends on these tax giveaways. But a stronger long-term vision for Nevada’s economy is building a top-tier public education system and a well-prepared workforce that can attract and sustain economic growth without giveaways.
Building this type of public education system is possible. In fact, this Legislature empaneled a Commission to develop a plan to do exactly that. The Commission’s plan recommends modernizing Nevada’s sales tax while closing property tax loopholes. It does not recommend further eroding the state’s revenue base through additional tax giveaways.
So Seriously, Pass the Plan.
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. There was one appreciation letter we came across from the Governor touting some of what he believes are his accomplishments.
I felt compelled to share an op-ed that appeared yesterday in the Nevada Current from Rachel Croft, an educator in Carson City, because I think it really highlights the need for new revenue. And on the heels of Teacher Appreciation week, it seems even more relevant:
She writes: “if Nevada truly wants to appreciate teachers, appreciation cannot stop at coffee mugs and thank you cards. Appreciation must show up in policy, funding, and priorities.”
Our frustration did not appear overnight. During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) repeatedly sounded the alarm over the Governor’s proposed education funding increase of just two dollars per pupil in 2025. That amount, a de facto education cut, became so symbolic of the disconnect between political rhetoric and classroom reality…
Two dollars. That’s it. Not enough to keep up with inflation. Not enough to reduce class sizes. Not enough to retain educators burning out under impossible workloads. Not enough to support the student mental health crisis that continues to grow in schools across Nevada. And it’s certainly not enough to qualify as a raise for educators, many of whom have not seen a meaningful raise in years while inflation continues rising. When costs go up and pay stays flat, that’s a pay cut.
And now, under the realities of the budget, school districts across the state are being forced to make painful decisions.
In Carson City, our social workers were cut. In Douglas County, C.C. Meneley Elementary is closing following a Severe Financial Emergency declaration. The district itself faces a $5.2 million shortfall. In Elko County, Flag View Intermediate is being restructured to manage an $11 million budget shortfall. Two weeks ago, the Mineral County Board of Trustees approved reduction in force (RIF) notices to manage their $1.4 million budget shortfall.
These are not signs of a thriving education system. They are warning lights flashing for everyone to see, especially during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Real appreciation would mean fully funding schools so districts are not forced to cut counselors, social workers, nutrition workers, and paraprofessionals. Teachers are tired of being praised publicly while struggling privately to meet needs that should never fall solely on classroom educators.
Because the way a state truly appreciates teachers is not found in a letter or social media post during Teacher Appreciation Week. It is found in the choices and policies it makes for children the other 51 weeks of the year.
Rachel says it best, and the only thing I can add with regard to revenue is “Seriously, pass the plan”
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