NRS388.720. Development of plan by school district to reduce pupil-teacher ratios; alternative ratios for certain grades authorized in certain counties.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, each school district together with the recognized associations representing licensed educational personnel shall develop a plan to reduce the district’s pupil-teacher ratio per class in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 within the limits of available financial support specifically set aside for this purpose and submit that plan to the State Board.

      2.  In lieu of complying with the pupil-teacher ratio prescribed in paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 388.700, a school district in a county whose population is less than 100,000 may, in consultation with the recognized associations representing licensed educational personnel, develop a plan to reduce the district’s pupil-teacher ratios per class for specified grade levels in elementary schools. Alternative ratios for grade 6 may only be approved for those school districts that include grade 6 in elementary school. The alternative pupil-teacher ratios must not:

      (a) Exceed 22 to 1 in grades 1, 2 and 3; and

      (b) Exceed 25 to 1 in grades 4 and 5 or grades 4, 5 and 6, as applicable.

      3.  The State Board shall approve a plan submitted pursuant to subsection 2 if the plan:

      (a) Reduces the district’s pupil-teacher ratio in the elementary schools within the school district; and

      (b) Is fiscally neutral such that the plan will not cost more to carry out than a plan that complies with the ratios prescribed in paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 388.700.

      (Added to NRS by 1989, 2106; A 1991, 1605; 2005, 2163)