A Funding and Accountability Proposal from the Nevada Association of School Boards and the Nevada Association of School Superintendents

iNVest ‘09 “Education leaders have come together to develop a unified, long-term plan to improve student achievement.”  iNVest established in 2003  School board members and superintendents of all 17 counties  Different format this year, but consistent message Background and History

iNVest ‘09 “The ultimate goal of iNVest is to improve academic achievement for all students.”  Education can be improved when adequate basic support is provided to districts;  Districts must have the resources to attract and retain qualified teachers; and  Districts must have the means to provide enhanced educational opportunities for students.

iNVest ‘09 “Budget cuts come in the face of astronomically increasing expenses for basic necessities.” Declining Budgets

iNVest ‘09 Students struggle to reach the standards and expectations that lawmakers are eager to set yet reluctant to support. High Expectations

iNVest ‘09 “What is most needed to improve education in Nevada is adequate funding and the freedom to use that funding in the most effective manner, as dictated by the needs of students.” One Size Does Not Fit All

iNVest ‘09 What the Legislature Can Do to Improve Education in Nevada

iNVest ‘09 Fully Fund the Base Budget If the Legislature is serious about improving and sustaining student achievement it must commit wholeheartedly to adequately and accurately funding the base budget.

iNVest ‘09 Truth in Taxation An Education Stabilization Fund must be established to protect schools from budget cuts in lean times.

iNVest ‘09 Develop a Funding Plan Develop a long-term plan to systematically and incrementally increase the level of education funding.

iNVest ‘09 Pay Teachers More Develop and fund a competitive teacher compensation plan – linked to student achievement.

iNVest ‘09 Empower School Districts Empower school leaders by providing funding for educational programs tailored to the specific needs of the students within their schools.

Student achievement is our core business. iNVest is the tool by which we get the job done.