THIS MORNING [JUNE 18, 2007] AT Paul Culley Empowerment School, Governor Jim Gibbons joined with Senator Maurice Washington (R-Washoe), Senator Barbara Cegavske (R-Clark), Clark County Superintendent Walt Rulffes, Clark County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Karlene Lee, Principal of Paul Culley Elementary School Lisandra Primas, and students from Ms. Cheney's 3rd grade class to sign legislation that will establish 29 empowerment schools across Nevada. This landmark legislation achieves one of the Governor's top priorities first introduced in his State of the State Address.
"By signing this bill, we are taking that next big step toward providing our children with an education that will better prepare them for the future," said Governor Gibbons. "Who better to assess and meet the needs of students than the principals, teachers, and parents who spend time with these children each day? This innovative approach to education replaces the one-size-fits-all plan with one that focuses on developing plans that meet the diverse needs of different students."
Specifically, this legislation provides for the establishment of 29 empowerment schools across Nevada and provides an additional $400 in per pupil spending at those schools. Principals will control up to 90% of their school budgets, allowing educators to determine how best to meet the unique needs of their dynamic student populations.
Photo: from leftPrincipal Lisandra Primas, Senator Barbara Cegavske, Governor Gibbons, Clark County Superintendent Walt Rulffes, Clark County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Karlene Lee.
