MINUTES OF MEETING
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Sixty-seventh Session
March 29, 1993
The Assembly Committee on Education was called to order by Chairman Wendell P. Williams at 3:33 p.m., March 29, 1993, in Room 330 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Meeting Agenda, Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Wendell P. Williams, Chairman
Mr. Ken L. Haller, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Vonne Chowning
Mr. Tom Collins, Jr.
Mrs. Marcia de Braga
Mr. William D. Gregory
Mr. James W. McGaughey
Mr. Roy Neighbors
Mr. Michael A. Schneider
Mrs. Gene W. Segerblom
Ms. Sandra Tiffany
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Marla McDade, Research Assistant
OTHERS PRESENT:
Carolyne Edwards, Clark County School District
Lindsey Jydstrup, Nevada State Education Association
Larry Osborne, Carson City Chamber of Commerce
Mary Peterson, State Department of Education
Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum
SENATE BILL 47 -Authorizes schools to conduct drills to instruct pupils in procedures to be followed in event of chemical explosion and other disasters.
Carolyne Edwards, Clark County School District, presented testimony in support of the bill on behalf of Senator Hal Smith. Ms. Edwards explained Senator Smith introduced the bill due to the explosion which had occurred at Pepcon. According to Ms. Edwards, Senator Smith felt there was a need to add catastrophe drills which dealt with chemicals, etc., along with the required fire drills.
Ms. Edwards suggested a language change in lines 11 and 12 after the words "supervision of" by inserting the words "the local school districts and" before the words "the chief of the fire department of the city or town." Ms. Edwards emphasized there was no desire to supersede the fire department since it was imperative they work together.
Lindsey Jydstrup, Nevada State Education Association, spoke in support of SB 47 and explained when the bill was originally introduced, the drills for catastrophes were to be added to the required fire drills. Concern had been raised too much time might be taken away from classroom instruction and as a result the bill had been amended. Mrs. Jydstrup clarified the amendment allowed three of the monthly fire drills throughout the school year to be for other emergencies and catastrophes; therefore, there would be no increase in the amount of drills.
Ms. Tiffany questioned who would be responsible for designing the catastrophe procedures. Ms. Edwards replied currently the Clark County School District had a policy in place created by the district's division of facilities. Ms. Tiffany asked if the fire marshal agreed with the procedures. Ms. Edwards responded the school district worked together with the fire department and abided by its requirements. Currently, a catastrophe program had been worked out.
Mrs. de Braga questioned if the school districts would be involved only with the fire department for assistance, regardless of the type of catastrophe. Ms. Edwards replied the fire department was generally the entity who dealt with schools in any emergency.
Mr. Neighbors referred to line 23 and asked if there had been any response from private schools. Mrs. Jydstrup responded there had been no testimony in the Senate committee.
Mrs. Chowning was concerned with section 2 regarding the private schools being mandated to hold drills twice a month, yet public schools were mandated to hold them only once a month. Chairman Williams pointed out it was the language of the current statute. Ms. Edwards speculated because private schools were so diversified, their liability was presumably higher and the twice-a-month drill might be a requirement due to insurance purposes.
Chairman Williams closed the hearing on SB 47.
SENATE BILL 65 - Allows pupil to apply credits received for certain courses of education completed at community college or university to total number of credits required for graduation from high school.
Larry Osborne, Executive Vice President of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, presented testimony in support of the bill. Mr. Osborne indicated the business education committee had determined the passage of the bill would allow some of the tech-prep programs to surface and he urged the committee to pass the bill.
Mr. Haller remarked he was under the impression currently some schools were already allowing the application of certain credits toward graduation. Mr. Osborne replied he was unaware of whether it was occurring; however, passage of the bill would allow it by changing the current law.
Mr. Collins questioned if passage of the bill would make it unified throughout the state since certain districts were permitting students to take advanced courses, and would the courses be technical trades rather than advanced courses. Mr. Osborne replied under the tech-prep program, high school students could take certain courses at a community college. Currently, state law prohibited such action.
Mrs. de Braga urged the committee to pass the bill since she was aware particular schools were already allowing students to participate in such programs and she felt all students should be given the same opportunity.
Mr. Haller pointed out in Washoe County, certain students were given credit for activities relating to physical education such as golf, skiing, etc., which were not considered courses. Mr. Osborne responded the state board and school board trustees would prescribe the courses for each local school district.
Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum, presented testimony in support of the bill. Mrs. Hansen maintained SB 65 would provide an opportunity for more students to graduate and would allow some diversity for advanced students to pursue additional courses at the community college level.
Mary Peterson, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, spoke in favor of SB 65. Mrs. Peterson clarified the bill draft request had been submitted by the department of education and the state board of education to amend NRS 389.160. The current language of the statute allowed high school students to "substitute" credits; the amended language would allow students to "apply" credit received for an approved college or university course to the total number of credits required for graduation from high school.
Mrs. Peterson explained the intent of the amendment was to expand opportunities for students beyond courses which could only be substituted for high school graduation requirements.
Mrs. Peterson concluded by urging the committee to pass the bill.
Mr. McGaughey was concerned with what types of courses could be taken. Mrs. Peterson referred to section 1, subsection 2, which stated, "With the approval of the state board, the board of trustees of each county school district shall prescribe the courses for which credits may be received..."
Chairman Williams closed the hearing on SB 65 and requested a motion on SB 47.
ASSEMBLYMAN HALLER MOVED TO AMEND AND DO PASS SB 47.
ASSEMBLYMAN COLLINS SECONDED THE MOTION.
A discussion ensued between Mr. McGaughey, Ms. Edwards, and Chairman Williams regarding the previous testimony dealing with the required two drills per month for private schools.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Williams requested a motion on SB 65.
ASSEMBLYMAN COLLINS MOVED TO DO PASS SB 65.
ASSEMBLYMAN NEIGHBORS SECONDED THE MOTION
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Williams asked for committee approval of the minutes through March 22.
ASSEMBLYMAN GREGORY MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES THROUGH MARCH 22.
ASSEMBLYMAN DE BRAGA SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Marilyn Cole, Committee Secretary
??
Assembly Committee on Education
Date: March 29, 1993, 1993
Page: 1
Assembly Committee on Education
Date: March 29, 1993
Page: 2