School funding accepted

CARSON CITY -- Nevada lawmakers voted Wednesday to accept $35 million in federal stimulus funds for K-12 schools that have a high percentage of students from low-income families.

Education officials told a Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee that they wanted to quickly distribute the funds, part of a total $87 million in stimulus funds expected for such schools, but lawmakers urged caution.

"If these dollars don't get used right it's a huge missed opportunity for our children," said Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-North Las Vegas.

Lawmakers told school district officials to use the money creatively, and asked them to work with the Legislature and the public to decide how the money should be spent. They also asked for reports on improved student performance.

Joyce Haldeman, assistant superintendent for the Clark County School District, said that each principal has a "school improvement plan" based on the needs of that school, including programs for students who need extra help.

Haldeman added that school officials are waiting to find out whether they can use federal stimulus funding to prevent layoffs.

"They're kind of like starving people waiting for the food supplies to be dropped off," Haldeman said.

Statewide, about 300 schools are eligible for the federal Title I funds, but currently only about 150 receive them.

The panel also voted to accept over $500,000 in stimulus funds for the Homeless Children and Youth Grant.

The grant helps schools provide health referrals, transportation assistance, after-school mentoring and a host of services to homeless children.