The Education First Governor Requests a 96 Million Dollar Reduction In K-12 Funding   CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR: In 2006 as then Congressman Gibbons campaigned for Governor he made a very specific promise to ensure adequate funding for schools to keep up with Nevada’s rapid growth. (Economic Freedom Fund Campaign Flyer on Behalf of Jim Gibbons for Governor) He also ran a television commercial where he pledged to put “more money in the classroom” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC9aojt4XQA   THEN HE WAS ELECTED: Jan. 22, 2007: “…I believe the fiscally responsible approach is to continue to support the existing pilot program [Full day Kindergarten] at current funding levels…” “Today the institution of public education needs bold and decisive leadership to better respond to the challenges that confront us. Our current standing in education on a national and worldwide front are simply unacceptable.” (Governor Gibbons State of the State Address) Feb. 1, 2007:  “Every student in the state of Nevada deserves a first class education” (Nevada Appeal) Mar. 28, 2007:  “Governor Gibbons identified three items that will not be impacted by budget reductions: transportation construction, child welfare, K-12 education.” (Governor Gibbons Press Release)   Apr. 06, 2007: “In accordance with my commitment to improving the academic achievement of our students, I have increased per pupil funding by 13 percent over the biennium. In my executive budget, I recommend… a 9.07% increase (for FY 08), and in FY 09, a 4.04% increase. These numbers clearly put to rest the issue of my priorities with respect to education.” (Governor Gibbons letter to Assemblyman Morse Arberry, Jr)   Apr. 07, 2007: “I have made it clear that I am protecting K-12 education” (Governor Gibbons Press Release)   Apr. 13, 2007: “I made a commitment to the people of Nevada that I would…improve our state’s education system…” (Governor Gibbons Press Release)   Jun. 04, 2007: “A ‘one size fits all’ education plan will simply not work. In conjunction with an 18% increase in k-12 funding, empowerment will provide many Nevada students with the opportunity to receive an education that better meets their needs and prepares them for higher education.” (Governor Gibbons press Release)   Jun. 06, 2007: “I remain committed to improving our state’s public education system to enhance the academic performance of our students, better preparing them for today’s knowledge-based job market.  Placing our children’s education first as a state priority has proven to be a vital policy that protects the interests of our children and our state’s education system.” (Governor Gibbons Press Release)   And NOW?? December 14, 2007:  “Governor [Gibbons] will request a reduction in K-12 spending of approximately $95,000,000” (Governor Gibbons Press Release)   CALL THE EDUCATION FIRST GOVERNOR! Tell him how you feel about further reductions to an already grossly underfunded system. 775 684-5670

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NQE Members and Supporters:   I wanted to thank all of you for supporting the efforts to avert the Budget cuts to K-12 education.  Our hard work helped inform the public and draw attention to the impact the cuts will have on students. On Thursday, January, 24 the Nevada Department of Education sent a communication to the Nevada superintendents advising them to cut all the one shot funding.  This list will include: Full Day-K Expansion: $13,631,760 Empowerment: $8,897,200 SB185 Grants: $10,780,000 Educational Technology Commission: $10,780,000 Career and Technical Program Increase: $4,000,000 Gifted and Talented: $670,172 Magnet Program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing: $273,000 Performance Pay Program: $10,000,000 Utilities Shortfall Funds: $7,636,160 TOTAL for the next 2 years = $63,888,292   K-12 will still need to cut over 60 million.   NQE has a number of concerns 1.We are  questioning the legality of the above cuts as many of these were bills that  were passed as law in the 2007 session. 2. Education was supposed to take a 4.5% reduction, yet these programs are cut 100%.  3. It was understood that any and all cuts would be decided at the local level allowing school boards autonomy in making decisions and allowing public input.  NQE is considering ways to prevent further cuts today and in the future.  Budget cuts are nothing new in this state.  K-12 endured reductions in the 80s, 90s and in 2000. We are looking to the future and weighing our options. We will keep you informed and value your thoughts and opinions.   While we so greatly appreciate your action and support, please remember NQE is funded through membership and donations.  We encourage you to join NQE today.   Also take a minute and visit: www.nvasb.org  read their newsletter "Education in the News".     Again, Thanks Mary Jo Parise-Malloy President

Open letter from NASB

TOWN HALL MEETING    Over 130 attended the meeting held at Spring Valley High School on January 16, 2007. Jon Ralston donated his time and expertise to moderate the extremely informative and sometimes lively discussion. Jeremy Aguero with Applied Analysis, Speaker Buckley, Lisa Mayo-DeRiso of Mayo and Associates, Assemblywoman Debbie Smith and CCSD Board Trustee Sheila Moulton presented information regarding education funding, the budget cuts and the impact they will have on our students and society. The panelists also donated their time. The public had the chance to share their thoughts, concerns and ask questions.   NQE thanks all of those whom participated.   To see the invitation to the Town Hall meeting sent to Governor Gibbons, please click on the link below:

Governor's Invitation

Governor's planned budget cuts CANDLELIGHT VIGILS IN SUPPORT OF K12 EDUCATION   The NQE Board of Directors hosted 4 simultaneous candlelight vigils on Wednesday,December 19 in protest of the Governor’s proposed cuts to K-12 education equaling $96,250,000. These cuts will have a devastating impact on our students and teachers. Every school district in Nevada will endure exploding class sizes supply shortages the elimination of tutoring and ancillary programs.   The theme was “The Governor is Burying Education” The vigils were held at several locations in northern and southern Nevada. The locations were: Las Vegas: Bonanza High School & Greenspun Jr. High Reno: Swope Middle School Carson City: Steps of the Legislative Building Over 300 people across Nevada turned out in support of our students and in protest of the reductions. The NQE Board of Directors will continue to bring attention to the devastating effects reductions will have and will ask for your continued support.