Despite $42 million spent, state computer system still not done

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 | 2:05 p.m.

CARSON CITY — A high-ranking lawmaker has complained that $42 million has been spent over the years on a computer system for the public schools, and it has never been completed.

The state Department of Education, meanwhile, wants to spend $4 million more in federal funds to continue building the system to track a student’s progress and achievement from kindergarten through entering the work force.

The system network would include date from the Nevada System of Higher Education and state Employment Security Division.

Sen. Debbie Smith, chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee, told education officials Thursday she supports the effort but is frustrated the department returns session after session seeking more money.

James Guthrie, state superintendent of public instruction, said the system would be completed in 2014.

The exchange came at a joint budget committee hearing on the education department.

Of the $4 million sought, $1 million would go to the Nevada System of Higher Education and $500,000 to the Employment Security Division to tie these systems together to track student achievement and progress.