Another "Thinking about moving to reno" thread (Las Vegas: foreclosure, crime)

[clearbluesky]

Hi I Heart Reno-I didn't mean to make it sound like a ghost town. I still wonder why our appeal is lost on so many larger organizations as far as a place to relocate their businesses. Our proximity to California and our tax structure seem to be very favorable to business-as well as our position on Interstate 80 and our international airport. I think the key problem is our schools. We need to spend more money there. We also don't advertise enough of our great features and I think that falls squarely on the shoulders of our Governor. We need more of a slogan than "What happens in Vegas...".

[I_HEART_RENO]

I don't think throwing more money at the schools will help. I think the whole public school system needs to change. I am not certain on the exact figures but I read somewhere that the average cost to send a child to private school is $5,000 per year and the average cost per student for public schools is $15,000 per year. Being a product of a private school and having kids currently in public school I can tell you that the private schools do a far better job educating kids then public schools. They expect more from the kids and actually have to perform if they want to remain open. Profit is a great incentive.

Vouchers would eliminate bad schools and have the good schools competing to be GREAT schools. I think, if I am not mistaken, Gov. Sandoval supports vouchers. Let's hope he can get something done. Regardless, I think that if Chris Christie (New Jersey) can get it done in his state, it would show other states that there is a better way.

[clearbluesky]

I hear the argument alot about not throwing more money at schools but I am only partly convinced that it is a bad idea. There would, of course, need to be some accountability and performance reviews, not just filling the coffers with cash. Personally, the only private high school is a religious one and that is something I just can't bring myself to endorse-ever. If money isn't the answer, I wonder then, how states like New York can continually rank high in test scores and numbers of graduates in their public schools? Is it the water? Is it the air they breathe there? What would it take to emulate the successful public schools in our country? I feel like the whole Washoe County School District just operates so blindly with no forward thinking in their leadership. No one is striving to be amazing here, it just feels like that. Like I said, even the good schools are mediocre at best.

[Seacove]

Our family left Reno many years ago and it was the best move for us personally. But any state that thinks gutting the schools will increase revenue is ignoring the obvious. Quality workers will not be interested in living in a state with poor schools and companies will not move to a state where it cannot attract quality workers. As the education system deteriorates, so will the workforce and consequently, so will the state tax revenues. It is a race to the bottom. The result will be a state that attracts companies that require cheap workers with a limited need for education and a low tax base.

And $5000. for a private school? You can't get good childcare for that and childcare does not require degrees in education plus years of expertise in an area of learning.

[I_HEART_RENO]

Originally Posted by Seacove

Our family left Reno many years ago and it was the best move for us personally. But any state that thinks gutting the schools will increase revenue is ignoring the obvious. Quality workers will not be interested in living in a state with poor schools and companies will not move to a state where it cannot attract quality workers. As the education system deteriorates, so will the workforce and consequently, so will the state tax revenues. It is a race to the bottom. The result will be a state that attracts companies that require cheap workers with a limited need for education and a low tax base.

And $5000. for a private school? You can't get good childcare for that and childcare does not require degrees in education plus years of expertise in an area of learning.

Yes. It was actually less than $5,000. I was paying $350 a month and my son was not only in college level classes he was also receiving religious instruction. I don't think all schools should offer that as there are so many different religions, however, I think that religion is an important element missing from children's education. Kids are no longer taught what's "right" and "wrong" and frankly a lot of parents don't care to teach their kids the difference or even something as simple as "respect" for others.

[Seacove]

Perhaps Reno should try that as an experiment. Create multiple $350. a month schools and see if it increases the education level and attracts companies.

[I_HEART_RENO]

It's called a voucher. Let parents decide where they want their kids to go and then yes, the level of education will improve as schools compete to keep their students.

[Seacove]

Yep those econo-vouchers are going to be hugely appealing to higher education. That won't bring in the low rent, "you can be a doctor in two weeks!" element at all. You're going to be fighting off those new Reno companies with a stick.

[30STM]

against religious schooling.

[I_HEART_RENO]

Originally Posted by Seacove

Yep those econo-vouchers are going to be hugely appealing to higher education. That won't bring in the low rent, "you can be a doctor in two weeks!" element at all. You're going to be fighting off those new Reno companies with a stick.

Vouchers wouldn't be used for higher education, that's what grants, scholarships and student loans are for. Vouchers would only be used for K-12.

Anyway. This is totally off subject. I'm sure there are plenty of other forums for debating this subject.