Nevada School Finance Study

Prepared for the Nevada Department of Education in 2018

The Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau engaged Augenblick, Palaich & Associates (APA) to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s K–12 funding system during the 2017–2019 biennium. Working in partnership with the Education Commission of the States and Picus Odden & Associates, APA evaluated the equity, adequacy, and effectiveness of Nevada’s school finance structure and identified areas for reform.

APA used a multi-pronged approach that included analysis of statewide funding data, comparisons to peer states, and development of a cost-based model to estimate the resources needed to support all students — particularly those with additional needs such as English learners, students with disabilities, and those in poverty.

The study found that Nevada’s existing formula did not sufficiently account for student needs or regional cost differences, leading to funding disparities across districts. APA recommended a redesigned funding formula that includes weighted funding for student characteristics, greater transparency through formula simplification, and periodic recalibration based on cost modeling.

This work provided a strong foundation for state policymakers to modernize Nevada’s education funding system and better align resources with the goal of improving student outcomes statewide.