Governor Lombardo Signs Off on Emergency Funding for School Districts Facing Declining Enrollments

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Governor Joe Lombardo today endorsed an emergency regulation proposed by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) that would allow schools to receive funding based on the enrollment figures approved during the 83rd Legislative Session, rather than their lower actual enrollment counts.

School districts across Nevada are facing difficult budget decisions as actual enrollment falls below the projections used in that budget. Under the state's per-pupil funding model, lower enrollment means less funding than districts anticipated. The emergency regulation would temporarily allow NDE to use the legislatively approved enrollment count, rather than the quarterly counts otherwise required by state law, to calculate funding for school districts, public charter schools, and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils.

"With school districts facing budget pressures that threatened dedicated teachers, staff, and student learning, we needed to take immediate action," said Governor Lombardo. "This emergency regulation keeps teachers in classrooms and gives school districts the stability they need to continue to serve our students. My administration will continue to put student outcomes first, and that starts with making sure our schools have the resources to do the job."

When the full scope of these budget pressures became clear, the Governor's Office and NDE worked with legislative leaders to quickly develop contingency plans to support school districts facing significant budget deficits. The emergency regulation would give schools time to adjust to declining enrollment while the executive branch works with the legislature toward a longer-term solution. Governor Lombardo looks forward to working with school districts and legislative leaders to address this challenge in the next legislative session.

"Declining enrollment has created an immediate fiscal impact for school districts that, if not addressed, will result in staffing reductions, cuts to programs and services, and ultimately disrupt student learning," said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "I'm grateful to Governor Lombardo for recognizing the urgency of this challenge and for working collaboratively with the Legislature, school districts, and NDE to respond to what we are hearing from communities across Nevada. This 120-day action to deploy education dollars already approved for Nevada's schools will allow time to work together on longer-term solutions."

School Leaders Applaud Swift Action from Governor Lombardo and NDE

"The Nevada Association of School Superintendents is incredibly grateful to Governor Lombardo for intervening in what has become an emergency situation for Nevada's schools," said AJ Feuling, Superintendent of Carson City School District and President of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents. "This action is a commonsense approach to ensuring financial stability and no disruptions to the educational environment for Nevada's children. We thank the Governor for taking decisive and immediate action."

"CCSD is incredibly thankful to Governor Lombardo and legislative leaders for taking action to stop these mid-year budget cuts that would have directly impacted our students, educators, and support professionals," said Superintendent Jhone Ebert. "While we know that we need to make future budget adjustments to align with lower student enrollment, the time to do that is not in the middle of the school year. This emergency order gives us more time to plan for this unexpected drop in student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Also, we can now partner with the Governor and legislative leaders to pass legislation that would help avoid mid-year budget cuts in the future."

"CCEA has worked with Governor Lombardo to address Nevada school districts' budget shortfalls, and today we applaud his action to prevent layoffs from taking place," said John Vellardita, Executive Director of the Clark County Education Association.

Legislative Leaders Back Emergency Action, Pledge to Work Toward Long-Term Solutions

"As a former educator, I know stability in the classroom is what helps students succeed," said Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, President pro Tempore and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. "I'm proud to have worked on a bipartisan solution that uses education dollars the Legislature already approved to keep teachers in schools. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement a long-term solution during the 84th Session."

"The current funding formula impacts every school district in Nevada, and with declining enrollment we need to offer those districts some protection," said Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus. "I appreciate what the Governor is doing here, and I look forward to working on a long-term solution in the upcoming session."

"Governor Lombardo is right to act quickly to protect our schools, teachers, and students," said Minority Floor Leader Gregory Hafen. "This emergency action provides needed stability, but it is not a long-term solution. In 2027, I will work with the Governor and legislative leaders to address the underlying enrollment issue and develop real solutions that prevent mid-year budget crises in the future."

"I support Superintendent Wakefield's proposed emergency regulation because it provides the stability our students and schools need and ensures our teachers are paid for the full school year," said Assembly Speaker Pro Temp Elaine Marzola. "This regulation is only a temporary solution and I am dedicated to finding permanent, long-term solutions during the 2027 Legislative Session that prioritizes getting more funding into the classroom. Our priority must be making sure that every Nevada student has access to a quality education and that our educators have the stability and resources they need to deliver it."

The full text emergency regulation can be read here.

Photos and video of Governor Lombardo signing the emergency regulation can be viewed here.