LAS VEGAS - Some of the 28,000 members of the Nevada State Education Association listened intently as Governor Brian Sandoval told teachers he planned to cut their salaries, punish those who don't perform well and strip away their tenure.
Those who currently work in Nevada's education system say the plan won't attract good quality teachers to Nevada.
"These are wonderful hard-working children, and they deserve the kind of resources that will provide them an adequate education," said teacher Peg Bean. "In fact, way better than an adequate education."
Governor Sandoval told teachers and parents listening Monday night that he planned to reduce the amount of education funding by nearly $300 per student. Nevada pupils already rank as some of the most underfunded in the country.
"The bottom line is it's devastating to education. We are currently underfunded. Further cuts will just decimate education," Bean said.
In his much anticipated budget speech, Sandoval confirmed what educators feared: a six percent cut in funding for K-12. NSEA Executive Director Gary Peck calls the governor's budget a recipe for disaster and an assault on public education.
"It's an assault, not just on some abstract set of institutions, but on real live human beings, kids, families, the communities of which they are apart and public educators," he said.
Higher education also isn't immune from the state's budget woes. Universities and colleges are looking at an 18% cut in funding if the governor's budget is approved. Students are also looking at likely tuition hikes.
"I am definitely struggling," said College of Southern Nevada student J.T. Creedon. "My expenses definitely outweigh my income, and there's a misconception about the actual cost of going to school In Nevada."
In his speech, Sandoval blamed incapable educators for the state's low graduation rate. He also encouraged teachers to embrace reform.
