Strategic Plan to Address Growth in Southern Nevada

Critical Issue: Schools/Education

In 1997, the State of Nevada legislature authorized increased Clark County School District (CCSD) revenues from three sources. These included a real estate transfer tax, a one percent increase in hotel room tax, and a freeze of the current 55 cent property tax allocation for school construction and modernization. The real estate and hotel room taxes are now in place. The 55 cent freeze would allow the CCSD to issue new bonds as old bonds are retired as long as property taxes are not raised. The tax neutral bond rollover is scheduled for referendum vote on November 3, 1998. With all three revenue sources, the SNSPA finds that capital facility needs for elementary and secondary education will be met for the next 10 years. CCSD capital needs beyond 10 years are not funded at this time. Extension of the bond rollover beyond 10 years, supplemented by other revenues are anticipated to be needed in the future.

The SNSPA has determined that quality of education components are equally as important as capital facilities. At this time, new programs to improve the quality of education provided by the Clark County School District are unfunded. Given the existing State of Nevada tax structure, funding for quality of education improvements is not within the purview of Southern Nevada entities and state support in this regard is needed. The Authority recommends that methods of moving toward higher levels of funding for programs that have a demonstrated effect on educational improvements be identified and implemented.

While needs associated with the Clark County School District have been identified, we cannot ignore the needs of higher education. One of the most significant barriers to diversification of the Southern Nevada economy is the absence of a skilled, technical workforce. When combining the need for enhanced educational programs with the need to provide programs and facilities to keep pace with growth, substantial levels of need and investment at both the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) become apparent.

Southern Nevada can improve workplace educational opportunities through continued and enhanced public/private sector partnerships between area businesses, organizations and educational institutions. However, higher education needs are not funded locally and the State of Nevada must be relied upon to provide sufficient funding to meet these needs.

Education Recommendations

Immediate Local Action
Implement Clark County School District’s school construction and modernization program as contemplated by the approved November 3, 1998 school bond question.

Immediate State Legislation
Separate school construction management from oversight of the quality of education.

Immediate State Appropriation
Provide funding for programs that improve the quality of education (K-12).

Increase the number of quality teachers.

Fund Southern Nevada institutions of higher learning proportionately to Northern Nevada levels.

Provide funding to enhance development programs for teachers and health care professionals at UNLV and CCSN.

Immediate Local Study - Future State Appropriation
Develop long term strategic plans for funding of higher education capital facilities and programs.