Calen Evans on the Washoe Education Association and WCSD Schools

It’s no secret that schools in Northern Nevada are facing a lot of challenges. Washoe County is one of the most underfunded school districts in the country in terms of per-pupil spending, teachers are leaving the profession for more lucrative jobs, resulting in major staff shortages, and funding strategies like cannabis taxes have not been the cure-all some have hoped. Joining Conor on the podcast today to talk about the issues facing our Northern Nevada schools is Calen Evans, founder of the grassroots teacher advocacy group Empower Nevada Teachers, and elected this year as President of the Washoe Education Association, the union representing Washoe County educators. We had a great conversation about what has caused these issues over the years and decades, how to affect political change when politicians don’t follow through on their promises to support schools, the reason cannabis taxes often don’t actually go to schools, and much more. Thank you for listening and doing your part to advocate for quality education in Nevada. Also be sure to check out Vibrant Voices on Instagram, it's our co-producer Lynn Lazaro's student-run newsroom at UNR and also features local podcasts and stories. Click here and give them a follow! If you have any feedback or guest suggestions, email Conor at [email protected]  And be sure to check out http://www.patreon.com/renoites to help us make Renoites a financially sustainable project (and maybe get yourself some perks like merch or shout-outs on the show!)