KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasParents, Teachers React to Governor's State of the State Speech
LAS VEGAS - Many parents and teachers paid close attention to Gov. Jim Gibbons' State of the State speech Monday night. Several watch parties took place around the valley including one at the Las Vegas headquarters of the state teachers union.
Even before the speech, educators and parents bristled at the possibility of more cuts to education. "It's horrible, because we don't need (a) cutback," parent Ida Sierra said. "If they make these cutbacks and lay off our teachers, how are our kids going to get the education that they need?" "It would mean students being served less than they are now," teacher Margaret Chandler said. "It's pathetic… I think a lot of students will start falling through the cracks."
Governor Gibbons said in his speech that the current education system does not work. He called for changes to that system, which may include cuts. "I am demanding our programs work or be eliminated," the governor said.
Many educators disagreed with the governor's approach. "Cutting teachers' salaries and increasing class sizes doesn't make education better, it just kills it in Nevada," said Clark County Education Association President Ruben Murillo. "We are now reducing education to a charity. We are giving certificates for teachers' salaries," said Nevada State Education Association President Lynn Warne.
Teacher Theresa Testa said cuts will lead to larger class sizes, which she believes are a great disservice to children's education. "They need to be in a classroom where the teacher can pay the best attention to them and not worry about the 35 other kids that we have to service," she said. "With the cuts that are coming down the road here, it's just going to be crazy. There will be 50 kids in a class. When does it stop? When do we put education first?"
Many believe the governor should find another solution to the state's financial crisis. While they think cuts should be made, they feel education should be the last resort. For now, they hope the governor reconsiders his current position.
