Bill would allow up to 10 school furlough days

(AP) - School years could be up to 10 days shorter to avoid layoffs during a financial emergency if a new bill passes.

Members of the Assembly Education Committee on Monday considered AB117, which allows districts to apply for a waiver to reduce a school year to 170 days, below the 180-day minimum in Nevada statute.

Clark County School District proposed an amendment that would automatically reduce staff paychecks if the waiver was approved, regardless of existing collective bargaining agreements.

The Nevada State Education Association and other opponents said the amendment was an attack on collective bargaining and an attempt to bypass unions, which had been making salary concessions throughout the recession.

They said shortening the year would also shortchange students of critical classroom time.

No action was taken on the bill.