Nevada's chancellor says public education in the state is a 'disaster' and will deteriorate more under budget cuts proposed by the governor.

Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Jim Rogers outlined a grim picture of education in a "state of the system" speech Friday evening on the three Nevada television stations he owns, including News 4.

In the speech, Rogers suggested the state can find more revenue to make up for a budget shortfall. He also criticizes Nevada parents for not taking an interest in schools and settling for low graduation rates.

Nevada's Republican Governor Jim Gibbons wants to cut funding for higher education by 36 percent and slash pay for teachers by 6 percent. Click here to read what KRNV.com users say about the proposed cuts to teacher pay.

The chancellor's office has been vocal in it's opposition to the governor's proposed cuts to education. It has been the intention of the chancellor's office to publish at least one memo per week on the funding of the Nevada System of Higher Education, until the 2009 Nevada legislative session adjourns, according to the NSHE Web site. Click here to read Rogers' latest memo.

Washoe County School District Superintendent Paul Dugan, also warned of the adverse effects of state wide budget cuts on the Washoe County School District as he joined Rogers in addressing the northern part of the state Friday night.  Click here to read Dugan's comments.

Jim Rogers is the owner of Sunbelt Communications Co., the parent company of News 4.