Nevada’s public schools have a serious problem. Despite doubling spending per student over the past 40 years, student achievement remains among the worst in the nation.
A new report suggests that more spending won’t solve the issue—but smarter spending will.
According to research from the Nevada Policy Research Institute, simply throwing more taxpayer dollars at education isn’t working. The state already spends more per student than most of its neighbors, yet students are falling behind.
The solution? Better policies, not bigger budgets.
Money Doesn’t Equal Results
For decades, policymakers have assumed that increasing education funding leads to better student performance. The reality tells a different story.
Data shows that even as spending skyrocketed, Nevada’s student achievement levels have stagnated—or even declined.
This isn’t just a Nevada issue. Studies across the country have found little connection between higher school budgets and student success.
One analysis revealed that New York, which increased its per-student spending by over 60% between 2002 and 2020, saw no significant improvement in student performance.
Meanwhile, Idaho, which barely increased spending, saw higher gains.
Where’s the Money Going?
One major problem is how education dollars are being spent.
A significant portion of funding is directed toward administrative costs, ineffective programs, and policies that do little to improve learning.
Instead of hiring and rewarding great teachers, school districts often prioritize bureaucracy.
The Nevada Policy report highlights key reforms that could improve education without raising costs:
- Focus on Teacher Quality: Research shows that the biggest in-class factor affecting student success is the quality of their teacher. Instead of spending on smaller class sizes or more administrators, schools should invest in attracting and retaining the best teachers.
- Expand School Choice: Parents should be able to choose the best education for their children, whether it’s through charter schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Programs like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) allow parents to direct funds toward schools that best meet their child’s needs.
- Use Technology Wisely: Online and blended learning models have shown success when used properly. Nevada should embrace innovative learning models that individualize education and maximize resources.
- Reduce Wasteful Spending: Many existing programs, such as class-size reduction and universal preschool, have shown little long-term benefit despite their high costs. Redirecting these funds to proven strategies would yield better results.
The Opposition: Unions and Bureaucrats Fight Reform
Not everyone supports these changes. Teachers’ unions and education bureaucrats often resist reforms that challenge the status quo.
Instead of prioritizing student outcomes, they push for more spending on traditional public schools, higher salaries with no accountability, and policies that protect underperforming educators.
For example, Nevada’s teachers’ union has consistently opposed school choice initiatives, fearing that competition would weaken their influence.
But research shows that when schools must compete for students, all schools—including public ones—tend to improve.
A Path Forward
It’s time for Nevada lawmakers to take a different approach. The answer isn’t bigger budgets—it’s better policies.
By focusing on teacher quality, empowering parents, and eliminating wasteful spending, Nevada can finally give its students the education they deserve.
Conservatives have long advocated for responsible government spending, and education should be no different.
Instead of demanding more from taxpayers, the focus should be on delivering better results with the money already in the system.
Nevada’s future depends on its students. The state must choose reform over bureaucracy, quality over quantity, and students over special interests.
Otherwise, another generation will be left behind.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
