Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today joined Clark County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara and members of the Board of School Trustees on a tour of Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet Elementary School to learn more about the deferred maintenance challenges at CCSD schools and discuss her support for federal funding for necessary school repair, renovation and construction.
“Thank you to Clark County School District Superintendent Jara, as well as Principal Scott-Cherry, and the members of the Clark County School District Board of Trustees for highlighting the critical maintenance needs of our schools. What I saw today makes one thing clear: Congress needs to step up and provide more funding for our schools and educators. That’s why I joined my colleagues in introducing The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2019, which makes the crucial investments we need in America so that our kids are in safe and comfortable learning environments at school. I want Nevadans to know that at the federal level, I’m doing all I can to make sure America is investing in the quality education that every student in Nevada, and across the country, needs to pursue their dreams and get a good-paying job.”
BACKGROUND:
In January, Senator Cortez Masto joined Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) in introducing legislation to fund $100 billion in direct grants and school construction bonds over the next decade to repair and modernize schools.
The Rebuild America’s Schools Act awards competitive grants to schools based on need for repair and renovation of learning facilities. States must provide 10 percent in matching funds from school districts. The bill mandates a comprehensive study of the physical condition of public schools at least once every five years to ensure schools are meeting minimum standards of health and safety. School districts must also deliver a 10-year facilities master plan within 180 days of earning the grant. The grants require a gradual move towards 100 percent green building practices by fiscal year 2024.
###