MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
AND SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
Sixty-seventh Session
April 19, 1993
The joint meeting of the Assembly Committee on Education and Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities was called to order by Assemblyman Wendell Williams, at 3:15 p.m., on Monday, April 19, 1993, in Room 119 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Meeting Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Wendell P. Williams, Chairman
Mr. Ken L. Haller, Vice Chairman
Ms. Vonne Chowning
Mr. Tom Collins, Jr.
Ms. Marcia de Braga
Mr. Roy Neighbors
Mr. Michael A. Schneider
Ms. Gene W. Segerblom
Ms. Sandra Tiffany
SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman
Senator William R. O'Donnell, Vice Chairman
Senator Joseph M. Neal, Jr.
Senator Bob Coffin
Senator Diana M. Glomb
Senator Lori L. Brown
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Randolph J.Townsend
Mr. William D. Gregory
Mr. James W. McGaughey
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
Assemblywoman, Jan Evans, District No. 30, Washoe County
Assemblyman, Bernard Anderson, District 31, Washoe County
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Donald Williams, Research Analyst
Pepper Sturm, Research Analyst
Marilyn Cole, Committee Secretary
Susan Henson, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. Eugene Paslov, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Department of Education
Dr. Keith Rheault, Director, Occupational and Continuing Education, State Department of Education
Glenn Goza, Owner/Manager, Olsten Temporary Services of Reno
Glen E. Adair, Principal, Carson High School
Nathan Tolbert, Western Nevada Community College (WNCC) and Technical Preparation (Tech Prep) Student
Keith Murray, Carson High School and WNCC Tech Prep Student
Scott Snelling, Carson High School and WNCC Tech Prep Student
Melisa Lapid, Student, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
Wayne Fu, Student, McQueen High School
Josh Escobedo, Student, Lincoln County High School
Janet E. Sayre, Certified Home Economist, Executive Director, Nevada Vocational Association
Erik Beyer, President, State Council on Occupational Education
Gail Parson, Lobbyist, Nevada Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
Denis Graham, Curriculum Coordinator, Occupational Education, Washoe County School District
David Howard, Board of Directors, Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce
Ray Bacon, Lobbyist, Executive Director, Nevada Manufacturers Association
Chairman Williams opened the hearing on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 288.
ASSEMBLY BILL 288: Provides for distribution of money used for programs of occupational education and requires establishment of certain pilot programs for occupational education.
Assemblywoman Jan Evans, District No. 30, Washoe County, testified in support of A.B. 288, as referenced in her summary (Exhibit C).
Dr. Eugene Paslov, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Department of Education, testified, in recent years, Nevada has taken the educational leadership role in a number of areas, including dropout prevention, reducing substance abuse among children, educational research, improving student proficiency examinations, and increasing student learning standards and expectations. One of the major leadership initiatives undertaken by the department has been to reform and restructure occupational education in Nevada schools. With the help of the men and women in the legislature, and especially Assemblywoman Jan Evans, the department has made substantial progress.
Dr. Paslov emphasized occupational education programs identified for funding in A.B. 288 take the next step in developing and preparing Nevada's student for a future characterized, if not dominated, by technology. This is a future which demands that Nevada provide for the essential academic technological needs of its students, and if this is not done, the children's futures in the schools and in the work place could be jeopardized. A.B. 288 represents a request for the continuation of the occupational education reforms which began in 1987 with Senate Bill (S.B.) 165 of the Sixty-fourth Session, the interim finance subcommittee study on occupational education.
S.B. 165 of the Requires Interim Finance Committee
Sixty-fourth Session: to conduct interim study to determine appropriate methods of funding occupational education in Nevada. (BDR 34-395)
This planning was followed by the restructuring efforts outlined in the Nevada Business Plan for Education in 1990, and continued with funding provided by the 1991 legislature through Assembly Bill (A.B.) 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session.
A.B. 103 of the Makes various changes to provisions
Sixty-sixth Session: governing occupational education. (BDR 34-80)
The Nevada Business Plan for Education has become the template for occupational education reform in this state. This plan incorporated key components that educators and business leaders jointly recognized as critical to the success of each student and the employers who hire them. The funding provided through A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session, and the funding sought in A.B. 288, are an outgrowth of the restructuring recommendations of both the interim finance committee report and the Nevada Business Plan for Education. Because of the programs funded during the 1991 legislative session, students in Nevada are much better off today than they were in the past.
Dr. Paslov directed the committee's attention to the Department of Education reports, Introduction to Technology (Exhibit D), and Career and Occupational Guidance and Counseling (Exhibit E), which identify the activities and results of the funding provided by A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session. He pointed out the department fully accomplished the restructuring efforts intended with A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session funds.
Dr. Paslov acknowledged that the state has limited financial resources available to fund new programs. However, he pointed out if no improvements are made, and the status quo is accepted, Nevada students will lose ground with their competitors. The occupational educational programs identified for funding in A.B. 288 build upon and enhance programs funded by the 1991 session. Dr. Paslov emphasized the request for funding is modest, as local school districts struggle to maintain their current programs, let alone consider the expense of restructuring for new programs. Dr. Paslov urged passage of A.B. 288 and introduced Dr. Keith Rheault.
Dr. Keith Rheault, Director, Occupational and Continuing Education, State Department of Education, highlighted the accomplishments of the programs funded during the 1991 legislative session, and commented on the specific purposes for which funds are being requested in A.B. 288, as outlined in his summary (Exhibit F).
Assemblyman Haller questioned the procedure being followed in A.B. 288, and wondered what changes the bill makes to existing law. He also questioned Dr. Rheault's statement that the Carl Perkins Vocational federal money was not used in all the schools, but used to support programs at a limited number of sites serving the highest concentration of special population students. It was his understanding the Perkins money was distributed to all vocational or occupational education teachers at the beginning of the school year.
In response to the question from Assemblyman Haller, Dr. Rheault pointed out that each district receiving federal Perkins funds provides an application, and those are monitored on-site, as the schools must qualify for the funding.
Assemblyman Haller asked for further clarification on the specific changes requested in the bill.
Responding to Assemblyman Haller's question on the specific changes in the bill, Dr. Rheault explained A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session requested $1,376,000 to support home and career skills programs based on the population of the middle schools. Currently, the department is requesting $225,000 for home and career skills programs, which would fund 15 model sites, although there is a list of over 40 middle/junior high schools without the program in place. Last legislative session, the department requested $2.2 million for each year of the biennium. That amount was based on 25 percent of the excess cost calculated in the department of education's study to operate occupational educational programs. This session, the department has reduced that figure to 10 percent of the excess cost determined in the study, and arrived at a figure of $901,000. The funding requested would allow implementation of new model programs and general program improvements.
Assemblyman Haller worried that every future session of the legislature would be faced with some version of this bill.
Dr. Paslov stressed this project has undergone tremendous planning and preparation by the public and private sector. He agreed it would have been better to fully fund and implement the provisions of A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session in the 1991 session. As this was not possible, the department brought the participants together to determine what portion of the program should be brought before this session for funding in order to keep the reform moving forward.
Senator Glomb asked how much state and federal money was currently available for occupational education?
Dr. Rheault advised the state department of education received $5.5 million in federal funds and $478,000 from the occupational education state budget in fiscal year 1993. Senator Glomb wished to clarify her understanding that the department is seeking $900,000 and $225,000 in fiscal year 1994, and $900,000 in fiscal year 1995. Dr. Rheault confirmed those figures. He stated in 1991, the department requested $7.6 million, and acknowledging the current fiscal crisis, that figure has been reduced.
Senator Glomb asked if there were any indicators as to the number of young people the programs have not been able to serve. Dr. Rheault remarked that every student will be exposed to the introductory technology program before they graduate from the 8th grade. This program is designed to provide the students with an awareness of the different areas of technology. However, he did not have figures for the home and career skills program, but stressed a final report would be done for the legislature at the end of the school year.
Dr. Paslov continued the discussion and stated there are two additional areas at the secondary level, as previously pointed out by Dr. Rheault, the tech prep and student internship programs, which would extend beyond the introductory program, starting at the 11th grade, and going into the community college, or other post secondary education. The department feels there are a lot of young people who would take advantage of these programs if they were offered. Dr. Paslov stressed the programs are not currently being offered and thus the middle category of students are not being well served.
Senator Glomb questioned if the money requested in this bill would enable the department to take advantage of matching federal money? Dr. Rheault explained the grants are competitive. The department hopes to have model programs in place, which would put the state on an equal basis with other states, and enable them to compete for federal funds.
Senator Brown wondered how the students are chosen for the pilot programs? Dr. Rheault clarified the department envisions the money for the pilot programs would be funded to identified school sites and each school district would design their own program. Senator Brown stated it was her understanding the department is trying to make the pilot programs available to any student interested. She asked if any studies have been done evaluating the pilot programs? Dr. Rheault explained that currently there are no pilot programs in the internship programs. There are some things happening on a limited basis in the tech prep programs in Douglas County, Lyon County and Clark County. The reports regarding those programs are due at the end of the fiscal year, which the department does not yet have.
Assemblyman Schneider stated he had a couple of questions regarding the chart shown on page 4 (Exhibit D) which outlines how funds from A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session were implemented in the Clark County School District. He pointed out two schools within his district, Cashman and Guinn, and questioned the disparity and meaning of the numbers on the chart.
In response to Assemblyman Schneider's question, Dr. Rheault briefly explained the figures. He noted the "percent of funds spent" column on the chart represents equipment purchases. Quinn already had a program partially funded through local and/or federal money prior to A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session, and thus only had to spend 75 percent of their funds for equipment. Cashman was a new program and had to spend more of the money on equipment. Additionally, the survey was taken in October and some of the schools were not open yet, or had received local and/or federal money for the programs. For the survey, schools were asked how they were implementing the A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session funds, and as some had used local and/or federal money, their response indicated they had no programs in place from A.B. 103 of the Sixty-sixth Session funding. The column representing the number of teachers trained reflects the number of teachers who have taken one or more state workshops, but does not necessarily indicate the number of teachers at the site.
Assemblywoman Segerblom wondered if the programs require additional teacher training. Dr. Rheault replied that in most cases the programs are taught by the industrial art teachers, but pointed out it takes a rethinking by the instructor. The programs use a modular concept and students engage in self-directed learning, and the instructor becomes a facilitator of learning. Workshops have been set up to train teachers in the new methodology and the local school districts are also providing in-service training.
Assemblywoman Segerblom questioned if the credits earned can be applied to the teacher recertification requirement? Dr. Rheault stated the workshops are generally done through the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV), which offer continuation credits. The department also offers continuing education credits. Assemblyman Segerblom inquired if the department used outside business people to teach the programs. Dr. Rheault indicated business people are used to review the curriculum developed and offer input for the training workshops.
Senator Neal wondered how the schools become aware of the programs available. Dr. Rheault stated there is a state consultant for technology and instruction who provides information about the programs. Many of the technology teachers attend the international technology workshops and come back with new ideas and spread the word. A discussion ensued regarding the various technological magazines available for the instructors.
Senator Neal asked Dr. Rheault what a student could expect after completing one of the programs. Dr. Rheault said it is the department's hope the student would graduate from high school with transferable skills, continue learning through the tech prep program, articulate into the community college system to build on their course of study, and in 2 years, when they leave the community college, be ready for a high paying technical career.
Senator Neal asked Dr. Rheault to explain the Nevada Business Plan for Education. In response, Dr. Rheault stated the Nevada Business Plan was developed by the business and industry people to train students in technology and prepare them for the work force, whether at the community college level, or after they graduate from high school. The focus of the training is not specific, but rather to teach problem solving critical thinking and technical skills.
Assemblywoman Tiffany expressed concern with the legislature's ability to fund a $2 million program. She asked if the department would be able to maintain the current programs if they did not receive the funds, and wondered if they had federal money in the operating budget to maintain a status quo position.
In response to Assemblywoman Tiffany's question, Dr. Rheault pointed out that due to new federal amendments, money which the department had access to in the past through program improvement, is now on a formula basis and is based on three criteria for school districts. The focus changed from the state department to the local school districts, and the money is sent directly to the schools. The department does not have access to the funding but can approve certain items in the application. However, the department is told, based on an assessment, what the money would best serve. Dr. Rheault pointed out there are only nine school districts receiving federal money, which leaves the remaining seven school districts, mostly rural, without any access to the federal funding.
Dr. Paslov acknowledged the committee's concern with the perplexing budget problems and pointed out if the programs do not receive funding, the department will probably stand still for a couple of years. He stressed they will continue working with the business community and the federal government.
Assemblywoman Tiffany emphasized her support of the technological programs for the students, and suggested reprioritizing programs so existing funds could implement the vocational programs. Dr. Paslov agreed with the reprioritization idea, but maintained it would be a difficult task for the local school districts.
Assemblywoman Chowning expressed her hope that each graduating student would receive a diploma, along with marketable job skills, and wondered if that was the program goal. Secondly, Assemblywoman Chowning questioned if there was a cost allocation chart available which would show dollars spent in the past, along with the business match, projected dollar expenditures for the future, how the dollars have been spent and how they will be spent in the future. Thirdly, she asked what would happen to the programs in place at Southern Nevada Vocational Technical Center (Voc Tech) and Area Technical Trade Center (ATTC) without passage of A.B. 288.
In response to Assemblywoman Chowning's questions, Dr. Rheault assured her the programs at Voc Tech and ATTC in Clark County School District qualify for federal funding, as well as receive local funds, and therefore would continue.
Dr. Paslov stressed it is Nevada's long range goal to have all students graduate with an employable skill, and to do problem solving at a complex level, regardless of whether the student continues with post secondary education or enters the work force. He offered to provide a detailed dollar allocation report.
Assemblywoman Chowning complemented the department with the progress to date. Dr. Paslov acknowledged the fiscal conditions of the state, but maintained the department must move forward with a reformed and improved Nevada educational system.
Senator Rawson expressed his frustration as this issue comes before the legislature each session when there is no money left to properly fund the programs, and suggested this issue be addressed in the Governor's budget next session. He questioned if reprioritizing would come from the districts, or through the state.
Dr. Paslov pointed out the department works in partnership with the local school districts, and in cooperation with the business districts. Reprioritizing or restructuring the system is a complex issue, and the department would take direction from the legislature. Senator Rawson asked Dr. Paslov if there is a budget for occupational education. Dr. Paslov stated there was a study done in 1987 or 1989, and an analysis as to how much extra it cost to provide education for occupational students, and stated there is excess cost. Senator Rawson felt the department would need $10 million to do the program correctly.
Assemblyman Collins suggested the state mandate elimination of local ordinances that are not necessary in the development of our communities, and have that money go to education.
Assemblyman Bernard Anderson, Washoe County, District No. 31, stated he is a high school government and history teacher, and encouraged swift adoption of A.B. 288. He said the bill would add an additional piece to the current educational occupation program. He spoke of his visit recently with students from the Glenn A. Hare Occupational Center in Washoe County, the occupational education program center. The students told of the obstacles they have overcome in order to stay with the program. Assemblyman Anderson remarked that students in the program return to the classroom with renewed enthusiasm to get their diploma and have a reinvigorated spirit about education. He stressed the time has come to educate people for the world as it really exists.
Glenn Goza, Owner/Manager, Olsten Temporary Services of Reno, spoke in support of A.B. 288, as referenced in his summary (Exhibit G).
Glen E. Adair, Principal, Carson High School, urged passage of A.B. 288, noting the enhancement potential for occupational education. Mr. Adair told the committee he had been a principal at several school districts within the state, some of which had outstanding educational and vocational programs. However, the district he currently works for has room for improvement. He stressed the districts are attempting to involve outside people with the programs, but without further financial assistance, the amount of money received by the districts is inadequate to purchase the types of material and technical equipment needed to stay current. Mr. Adair called attention to the Department of Commerce and the Department of Education statistics which indicate by the year 2000, the state will have developed 50 to 60 percent of the state's graduating seniors into low or no skill occupational potential, and there will only be a 4 percent need for such training. In the same time frame, the state will train 33 percent of the graduating seniors to be prepared for advanced technical training and post secondary training in the pre-professional area, while the work force will demand 84 percent be literate in these areas. In the same period, there will be a need for 12 percent of graduates to go on to receive baccalaureate degrees. Currently, Nevada graduates 11 percent who go on to receive baccalaureate degrees. The growth is coming in technical areas, and this must be addressed by the state. Mr. Adair stated he receives calls from local business people asking if the school can prepare students for work in their companies, and presently the school is able to address their needs. However, many companies are relocating to Nevada, and the state must have the work force ready to meet those needs. Funding received should be allocated to all counties, based on population size, not to just those with technical centers.
Nathan Tolbert, Western Nevada Community College (WNCC) and Technical Preparation (Tech Prep) Student, spoke in support of A.B. 288. Mr. Tolbert told the committee he would be graduating from WNCC this semester with an associates degree in applied science, and briefly outlined for the committee how the vocational education helped him achieve his goals. He is employed locally with the Carson City Assessor's Office because of his field of study.
Mr. Tolbert learned the art of hand drafting and computer aided drafting while attending Douglas High School. He became involved with WNCC's drafting technology program, and because of WNCC's cooperative work experience program, and the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) organization, he was able to earn three college credits while at Douglas High School. This program allows students to earn college credits while working in the job place in a trade that is applicable to their major. VICA is a club which allows students to display their knowledge, while at the same time challenges them to perform their skills at their highest potential. Mr. Tolbert personally completed mechanical drafting, prepared speech, advertising design and architectural aided drafting, and recognized success with a gold medal in the prepared speech competition at the 1990 Nevada State Skill Olympics.
Mr. Tolbert remarked that many of his high school classmates are in low paying, manual labor positions, and many do not have a stable future or any career options. In his opinion he is an example of the success that can be gained through vocational education. Mr. Tolbert asked the legislators to give future students a greater chance.
Keith Murray and Scott Snelling, Carson High School and WNCC Tech Prep Students, testified they were before the committee as representatives of their electronics class, and were chosen to speak because of their achievements in the last year. Mr. Murray stated the tech prep program has given them an opportunity to see and understand the college system, making them more responsible in their high school classes. Mr. Murray told the committee he wants to be an engineer and has learned to think logically and do electronic analysis through his vocational education. He hopes to continue his education in this field.
Mr. Snelling stated he and Mr. Murray originally signed up for the class because it sounded interesting, but found as the year went on it was more demanding than a high school class. He said, "We were forced to learn and had fun doing it." He pointed out they earned college credits through the program, and he will have 20 college units by the time he graduates from high school, which, by WNCC's standards, is one-third of the way to an associates and electronics degree.
Senator Glomb asked if other students were showing an interest in the program.
Mr. Snelling pointed out classes are available for anyone interested, however, participation was low as this was the first year it was offered. His friends claim they will be getting involved in the program next year.
Melissa Lapid, Student, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), former graduate of the ATTC in Las Vegas, and currently a pre-med student at UNR, urged support for A.B. 288. She briefly outlined how she became involved in ATTC. She thought getting involved in occupational education would be a good opportunity to obtain practical experience and understand more about the health field, and help make a decision about the field of study she wanted to pursue. Ms. Lapid said she studied anatomy, physiology, health care skills, and communication skills her first year in the health occupations program, and pointed out it put her ahead in her college health community sciences classes because of this course of study. During her second year of health occupations, she spent a half semester in an internship program. This surgical technology program involved hands-on experience, actually standing next to a surgeon. Ms. Lapid summarized by crediting the vocational program in her decision to enter the pre-med program at UNR, and nurtured her aspirations to become a surgeon. Because of her exposure to the college system, she feels she is the least likely student to change her major at UNR.
Wayne Fu, Student, McQueen High School and Glenn A. Hare Occupational Center, told the committee how vocational education influenced his career decision. He stated he was uncertain as to a career, debating between fireman, policeman, or air national guard. After taking a drafting class at the middle school, he decided he wanted to be an architect, and became one of the top drafting students at Clayton Middle School. Upon entering McQueen High School, he was the first freshmen to get into a senior drafting class. During this time, he excelled in other high school classes, as well as the vocational classes, where he took woodworking and drafting. The drafting class encouraged him to seek further enrichment and he sought out a program offered through the Glenn A. Hare Occupational Center called computer aided design. In this class, he was allowed to expand on his architectural goals, which soon changed to engineering.
While at the Glenn A. Hare Occupational Center, Mr. Fu was offered an internship with Signet World Class, Incorporated. This company designed a world class sail plane, also known as a glider, for an international competition in Germany. This glider was the only entrant from the United States, as most companies were from Europe, and was selected as one of the 11 finalists in the competition. Mr. Fu pointed out he was exposed to the technical end of the business, but more importantly, he learned about teamwork and leadership, skills which are vital in the work place today. Mr. Fu briefly outlined his involvement with VICA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1965 to promote vocational education. This organization began small, but today recognizes more than 250,000 members. Mr. Fu stated employers are looking for employees with technical skills, whether it be drafting or auto mechanics, and those employees must go through some type of vocational education. He emphasized that vocational education played a large role in his life and stressed it is a vital component in today's work force.
Josh Escobedo, Student, Lincoln County High School and VICA, excitedly pointed out the opportunities and advantages which have been available to him. He has taken vocational classes, including cabinet making, building construction and drafting, as well as participating in the VICA program. Mr. Escobedo called attention to Lincoln County's lack of updated equipment in the shops and programs and emphasized the need to keep up with the technology of today, urging passage of A.B. 288.
Mr. Escobedo outlined his progress through the vocational program. As a freshman in high school, he enrolled in the cabinet making program, joined VICA and competed in the local cabinet making contest for the Vocational and Industrial Club of America. As a sophomore he took advantage of a 2 hour per day building construction program, which taught estimating materials, plan reading, etc. The class lasted 3 years and during that time his class built sheds, remodeled a couple of homes, and he personally, with five others in the class, built the new school district office in Lincoln County. He was the local VICA winner that year, competed in the state competition and took a second place silver medal in cabinet making. As a junior, he competed in cabinet making, without success, but was VICA's 1991-1992 state treasurer. As a senior, he competed again in cabinet making and won the gold medal. Mr. Escobedo mentioned he will be competing at the national level in June of this year. In addition, Mr. Escobedo was the 1992-1993 state vice president and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship through VICA. In summary, Mr. Escobedo stated he has taken full advantage of the vocational education program and has learned the importance of leadership skills. He stressed there is a need for vocational education in today's world, noting it is no longer stereotyped as the system for underachievers, if anything, the student needs to be smarter to keep up with the technology in the world of today. Mr. Escobedo encouraged support of A.B. 288.
Janet E. Sayre, Certified Home Economist, Executive Director, Nevada Vocational Association, spoke in support of A.B. 288, as referenced in her summary (Exhibit H). She directed the committee to the brochure, The Fourth "R", (Exhibit H) which highlights the curriculum known as home and career skills. In conclusion, Ms. Sayre stressed she is very proud to be an occupational teacher, a dedicated group which attempts to make the best programs possible.
Erik Beyer, President, State Council on Occupational Education, and National President for the National Association for State Councils for Vocational Education, urged support of A.B. 288. He pointed out it only takes 3-1/2 years for a vocational student to repay the cost of their education, through sales tax, property tax, income taxes, etc. He shared his ideas on funding the vocational education program through specific issue bonds. He suggested bonding for equipment, materials, and books, by putting a $10 million bond issue on the ballot. This sum would put vocational education on track in this state.
Gail Parsons, Lobbyist, Nevada Parent Teachers Association (PTA), spoke in support of A.B. 288. Ms. Parsons testified the Nevada PTA has supported occupational education in past sessions and continues to support this legislative action for the expansion and improvement of occupational education and tech prep programs.
Denis Graham, Curriculum Coordinator, Occupational Education, Washoe County School District, urged passage of A.B. 288. Mr. Graham outlined how a district might use the base allocation funds, as referenced in his summary (Exhibit I).
David Howard, representing the Board of Directors of the Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce, solicited the support of A.B. 288. As Vice President of Legislative Affairs, and as a former teacher and local businessman involved in industrial development, Mr. Howard encouraged the committee to explore reprioritization and
stressed occupational education should be put into the school systems.
Ray Bacon, Lobbyist, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association, and previous Vice President of Manufacturing at Bently, Nevada, one of the major employers in Douglas County, urged support of A.B. 288. He pointed out those students who were hired from the occupational education program were substantially different in their work performance. He stressed the state must do whatever it takes to get students interested in their education, and emphasized vocational education presents that opportunity.
Assemblywoman Segerblom, advised the committee that Wanda Rosenbaum and Barbara Semanski, of the Nevada Education Legislative Grass Roots Committee, endorse and support A.B. 288.
There being no further business, Chairman Williams adjourned the meeting at 4:49 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Susan Henson,
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Assemblyman Wendell P. Williams, Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman
DATE:
??
Assembly Committee on Education and
Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities
April 19, 1993
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