Carson City leads state in educational supplies expenditures

Students in Carson City have a greater chance of receiving a textbook than their peers across Nevada, according to a report released by the state Department of Education.

Districts across the state spend an average of $46 per pupil on supplies ranging from textbooks to computer hardware, while Carson City spends $81.

"It makes me feel good knowing we're leading the pack in providing instructional supplies," said Bob Anderson, financial director for the Carson City School District. "It's all about the kids."

A section of the proposed budget to be decided when the Legislature reconvenes June 25 calls for an allocation of $50 per pupil to be spent on textbooks and computer supplies throughout the state.

"I can understand that the Legislature wants to make sure the money is spent where they see is the biggest hole," Anderson said. "In Carson City, it doesn't seem to be a relevant point."

However, he said the district will comply.

"If we do get it, we're going to earmark it for exactly what they say," Anderson said. "We will follow the law very closely. Right now, we just don't know what that is."

Anderson said the district began a trend three years ago to spend more on computer software and textbooks.

"When you have better resources, you generally do better," he said. "You have to keep the focus on the customers. In the school system, that's the students and their parents."

Carson City school officials spend 5.1 percent of the total operational expenditures on instructional supplies, more than double the state's 2.4 percent.

Clark County allocates 2.4 percent, and Washoe dedicates 1.7 percent of the operations account.

Douglas County spends 2.4 percent, Lyon County allocates 2.8 percent, and 2.7 percent of Storey County's operations account goes to instructional supplies.