Assembly passes school bills for free breakfasts, more parental involvement

CARSON CITY -- Despite Republican opposition, the Assembly approved bills Monday to provide free breakfasts for all students in some schools and to force the Nevada State Board of Education to make changes to guarantee more parental involvement in schools.

Under Assembly Bill 137, schools in areas where more than 80 percent of residents are indigent would offer free breakfasts to all their students on school days.

Initially the Clark County School District reported a $4.1 million annual cost for the free breakfasts, but later amended that cost to $231,000 and took a neutral stance.

Almost all of the program's funding comes from the federal government.

The bill passed the Assembly on a 28-13 vote, with Republicans Randy Kirner of Reno, Melissa Woodbury of Las Vegas and Lynn Stewart of Henderson joining Democrats in backing the bill.

Also, nine of 16 Republicans voted against Senate Bill 229, which would require the State Board of Education to take steps to encourage parental involvement in schools.

Under the bill, the board must promote an atmosphere where parents and families would "feel welcome, valued and connected" and empower parents to take steps "to ensure all pupils are treated fairly."

Assemblyman John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas, said he and other Republicans opposed the bills because of their costs to schools.

Assembly Education Chairman David Bobzien, D-Reno, said there was no cost to implement the parental involvement bill.

The Senate approved the breakfast measure 21-0 with all Republicans supporting the bill.

"What I heard in committee was skepticism on whether you can do something to enhance parental involvement," said Bobzien.

Assemblyman Scott Hammond, a Clark County schoolteacher, voted against both bills.

Hammond, R-Las Vegas, said some kids today eat breakfast at home and then again at school.

"There are kids who need a (school) breakfast and those who don't," he said. "We should concentrate on those who need it."

Because almost all costs of the free breakfast program come from the federal government, he said there is a push to expand the program.

"Federal dollars have to come from somewhere, from the taxpayers," Hammond said.

He opposed the parental involvement bill on the grounds the state cannot force parents to become more involved in their children's education.

"You can't legislative this stuff," Hammond said. "This is one of those feel good bills."

Good teachers can strive to get parents more involved, but some parents simply are not interested, he said.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.