No doubt, Clark County School District administrators are facing skepticism over their recent announcement that $7 billion in repairs and maintenance is needed for local schools and facilities.
That’s a staggering figure. To give it some context, consider that the budget for the state of Nevada is about $18 billion.
It’s a head-scratcher, too, considering the price tag for repairs and maintenance had been $3.5 billion.
In a district where the average age of schools is 25, versus 40 nationally, taxpayers in the Las Vegas Valley are bound to ask how so many schools could be in such bad shape.
But how about we don’t quibble with the number and instead focus on the problem?
We have schools that are falling apart. There are stories of children bringing hats and gloves to school for when the heat goes out.
As the husband of a teacher who has worked in two buildings where aging HVAC systems failed, I can vouch that some buildings are in bad shape.
Meanwhile, the district has been able to budget less than $400 million over the next few years for repairs and deferred maintenance.
So here’s the bottom line: It doesn’t matter whether the bill for repairs is $3.5 billion or $7 billion or $700 billion. The district will never catch up at its current rate.
Therefore, it’s time for Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Legislature to step up and help. Taxpayers aren’t going to do it on their own, as they proved by defeating a bond initiative in 2012 and then demolishing the margin tax ballot measure next year.
With Republicans now in control of the Legislature thanks to a midterm sweep, Sandoval has a unique opportunity to do something meaningful on education this year.
Actually, let’s call it something other than “a unique opportunity.” Indeed, it’s an obligation to the people who elected him.
For Nevada to prosper, its businesses need to be able to recruit and retain qualified workers. To do that, a strong public education system is crucial. Right now, it’s anything but.
School repair bills are stunningly high, and student achievement is embarrassingly low. It’s long past time for our state leaders to prop up Southern Nevada schools — literally and figuratively.