Gov. Lombardo defends charters, slams attacks on teacher pay
In a bold stand for Nevada’s public charter schools, Governor Joe Lombardo is doubling down on his commitment to ensuring equitable treatment for public charter school teachers and students. Yesterday, legislative Democrats stripped Lombardo’s proposed pay raises for public charter school teachers from the state’s education budget—a move the governor sharply criticized as a direct attack on educational fairness and parental choice.
“I’ve been clear and consistent on this,” Lombardo declared in a statement. “I will not sign an education budget that does not include equal pay for public charter school teachers and make teacher pay raises, including those for charter school teachers, permanent. Further, I will veto any education budget bill that falls short of addressing a serious need for accountability, transparency, and real parental choice.”
Lombardo’s stance underscores his unwavering support for public charter schools, which serve as vital alternatives for families seeking high-quality education options tailored to their children’s needs. By prioritizing equal pay for public charter school teachers, the governor is championing the educators who dedicate themselves to these innovative schools, ensuring they are not left behind in Nevada’s push for better education outcomes.
A Direct Response to Legislative Pushback
The decision by Democrats to remove public charter school teacher pay raises from the budget has sparked outrage among advocates for educational equity. Public charter schools, which operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools, often face funding disparities despite serving diverse student populations. Lombardo’s insistence on funding parity under the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan aims to level the playing field, ensuring charter schools receive the resources they need to thrive.
“All 63 legislators have been aware of my position for months,” Lombardo emphasized, signaling that he will not back down from his promise to veto any education budget that fails to meet his standards. His message is clear: Nevada’s children deserve a system that prioritizes their needs, not political maneuvering.
The Nevada Accountability in Education Act: A Vision for Reform
Governor Lombardo’s commitment to public charter schools is part of a broader vision outlined in his recently introduced Nevada Accountability in Education Act. This ambitious proposal seeks to transform K-12 education by focusing on accountability, educator empowerment, and expanded opportunities for students. Key components of the Act include:
Expanding transfers to charter schools: Lombardo’s plan ensures that every student, regardless of their background or zip code, has access to the educational environment that best suits their needs.
Ensuring funding parity: By aligning resources under the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan, the Act guarantees that public charter schools receive equitable funding to support their students and staff.
Empowering families: The proposal emphasizes parental choice, giving families a stronger voice in their child’s education and fostering a system that values transparency and accountability.
These reforms reflect Lombardo’s belief that public charter schools are a cornerstone of Nevada’s education system, offering innovative approaches to teaching and learning that can drive better outcomes for students.
Fighting for Nevada’s Students and Teachers
Lombardo’s outspoken defense of public charter schools comes at a critical time. Critics of public charter schools often argue that they divert resources from traditional public schools, but Lombardo counters that equitable funding and teacher pay are essential to creating a system where all public schools—charter and traditional—can succeed. By vetoing any budget that undermines charter schools, he is sending a powerful message: attacks on public charter schools are attacks on Nevada’s students and families.
The governor’s focus on accountability and transparency also addresses concerns about oversight in the public charter school sector. His Nevada Accountability in Education Act aims to strike a balance, ensuring that charter schools maintain their autonomy while meeting high standards of performance and fiscal responsibility.
A Call to Action
As the legislative session continues, all eyes are on Nevada’s lawmakers to see whether they will heed Lombardo’s call for a fair and forward-thinking education budget. The governor has made it clear that he expects a bill that improves education for all Nevada children—not one that sidelines public charter schools or their dedicated teachers.
For parents, educators, and advocates who believe in the power of public charter schools, Lombardo’s leadership is a rallying cry. By standing firm against efforts to undermine public charter schools, he is fighting for a future where every student has access to a world-class education and every teacher is valued for their contributions.
